There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, don’t you think? My family absolutely adores *the best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole*, and it’s become a staple in our home. I mean, who wouldn’t love the delicious blend of savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta all baked together in one dish? I remember the first time I made it; my kids couldn’t get enough! They kept asking for seconds, and honestly, I couldn’t blame them. It’s like enjoying a cheeseburger without the mess, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when friends come over. Trust me, this dish will become a favorite in your household too!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (browned and drained)
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Best Beef Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into making *the best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole*! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar once you’ve got it all together. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want our casserole to bake evenly and come out bubbly and golden.
- Next, grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat once it’s cooked—nobody likes a greasy casserole!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these together until they’re softened and fragrant; this is where the magic starts to happen!
- Now, stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for a few minutes to blend those flavors beautifully.
- While that’s cooking, boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and toss it into the skillet with the beef mixture.
- Here’s the fun part! Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the pasta and beef, letting it get all melty and delicious.
- Transfer everything into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. It’s going to be cheesy, and I love it!
- Finally, bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
And there you have it! Your *best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole* is ready to be devoured. I can already hear the compliments coming your way!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to sneak in some veggies—bell peppers or mushrooms add great flavor and nutrition. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully instead of beef. Also, if you want a little kick, try adding a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. Make sure you cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking. And remember, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven; this helps it set up nicely for serving. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder that saves on cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and satisfying, it’s sure to fill up even the hungriest family members.
- Kid-approved and family-friendly, everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Versatile—feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or swap the meat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for *the best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole*. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a hearty meal that’s both filling and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
To complement *the best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole*, I love serving it with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread is another fantastic option; it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Trust me, these sides elevate the meal and make it feel extra special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Allow your *best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole* to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Easy peasy!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can swap it for penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if you need to. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and pasta earlier in the day, then assemble and bake it when you’re ready. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold.
What if I want to freeze leftovers? Great idea! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Is this recipe spicy? It’s not spicy as written, but if you like a little heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture!
Imprimer
The Best Beef Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole: 7 Comforting Steps
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious and hearty beef cheeseburger pasta casserole that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with pasta in one dish.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and add to the skillet.
- Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 75mg
Mots-clés: beef, cheeseburger, pasta, casserole
