Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *best beef cheeseburger pasta casserole*! Seriously, it’s like taking all the comforting goodness of a cheeseburger and wrapping it up in a warm, cheesy pasta hug. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that’s not only super satisfying but also ridiculously easy to whip up? This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and that ooey-gooey cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to become a regular on your dinner rotation. It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will adore!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering beef cheeseburger pasta casserole. I promise, it’s super simple and you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a deliciously rich flavor without too much grease.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni: You can use any pasta you like, but elbow macaroni holds the cheesy goodness perfectly!
- 1 onion, chopped: This adds a nice sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: This adds a tangy base that brings everything together.
- 1 cup beef broth: For extra flavor and moisture—trust me, it’s a game changer.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Go for sharp cheddar for a punchy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds that savory, umami kick that we all love.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your heart’s content, because flavor is key!
How to Prepare the Best Beef Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts to that perfect bubbly goodness. So, don’t skip this step—it only takes a few minutes!
Cook the Pasta
While your oven is heating up, grab a pot and bring some salted water to a boil. Add in the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save a splash of that starchy water just in case you need it later!
Brown the Beef Mixture
Now, let’s move on to the star of the show—the ground beef! In a large skillet over medium heat, add your 1 pound of ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is no longer pink and those lovely aromas fill your kitchen. It’s like a cozy hug already!
Combine Ingredients
Once your beef mixture is cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the can of tomato sauce, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Then, gently fold in the cooked elbow macaroni, adding salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined and it’s looking saucy—don’t be afraid to get in there and mix it up!
Transfer and Bake
Now, transfer that delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. This is where the magic happens! Top it all off with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly so every bite is cheesy bliss. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef cheeseburger pasta casserole is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish! Here’s why I think you’re going to love it:
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights!
- One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup, you’ll have more time to relax after dinner.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this comforting dish, and you’ll hear the “yums” all around the table!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or swap out the cheese to make it your own.
- Leftover Delight: It tastes even better the next day, making for fantastic lunches!
Trust me, once you serve this up, it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your home!
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef cheeseburger pasta casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t be afraid to experiment with your ingredients—feel free to swap out the elbow macaroni for any other pasta you have on hand, like shells or rotini. You can also add in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritional boost and extra flavor!
When cooking the ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat if you’re using a fattier blend, as it can make the casserole too greasy. And remember, seasoning is key! Taste your mixture before baking and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, for that extra cheesy goodness, consider mixing in some mozzarella or pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar for a fun twist. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delicious beef cheeseburger pasta casserole is estimated to have about 450 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, so your actual values may vary a bit based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some common questions about this delicious beef cheeseburger pasta casserole, so let’s dive in!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with soy sauce or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for that savory depth. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Definitely! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your beef cheeseburger pasta casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those tasty bites again! When you’re ready to dig in, you can reheat it in the microwave for a quick fix or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through. If you’re reheating from frozen, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge first, then follow the oven method. Enjoy those cheesy leftovers!
Drucken
The Best Beef Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole Delight in 5 Steps
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A delicious beef cheeseburger pasta casserole that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with pasta.
Zutaten
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, cooked macaroni, salt, and pepper to the skillet; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: beef cheeseburger pasta casserole, pasta casserole, cheeseburger casserole
