Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the classic taste of cheeseburgers with a hearty pasta bake. Made with lean ground beef, rotini pasta, tangy tomato mustard sauce, and topped with melted reduced-fat cheddar cheese and pickles, it’s an easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Units
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Base Ingredients
- 2 cups (6 oz) uncooked rotini pasta (use brown rice pasta for gluten free)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Toppings
- 2 cups reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole won’t stick.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Cook Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the tomato paste until incorporated, then add the diced tomatoes and Dijon mustard. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting it bubble and thicken slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture: Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the pasta and meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Pickles and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped dill pickles on top for a tangy crunch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cheeseburger casserole.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular rotini with brown rice pasta or any gluten-free pasta.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the dish healthier.
- Feel free to add other toppings like sliced olives or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer, shredded mozzarella can be mixed or used instead of cheddar cheese for a milder taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/9th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Thirty-five gram (35g)
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
