Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish combining savory ground beef, tender rigatoni pasta, and a rich tomato-mustard sauce. Topped with melted cheddar and finished with chopped dill pickles, it captures the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a convenient casserole.

You’ll love this casserole because it balances a hearty meat sauce with tender pasta and creamy, melted cheese, while the pickles add a tangy crunch. It’s easy to prepare and bake, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (6 oz) uncooked rotini pasta (brown rice pasta optional for gluten-free)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1½ cups finely chopped onions
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 28 oz diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cups reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped dill pickles

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

6. Combine meat sauce with cooked pasta, then spread mixture into prepared baking dish.

7. Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake for about 15 minutes until cheese melts.

8. Sprinkle chopped dill pickles on top before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use lean ground beef for healthier casserole.

• Stir sauce frequently to prevent sticking.

• Reserve some pickles for garnish to control tanginess.

• Use good quality Dijon mustard for flavor depth.

• Bake uncovered for bubbly, golden cheese topping.

Delicious Variations

• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.

• Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor.

• Stir in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check canned ingredients for gluten.

Can this dish be made ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate; bake before serving.

How long will leftovers keep?

Stored in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.

Can I use other pasta types?

Other short pastas like penne or fusilli work well.

Is this casserole spicy?

Mild, but can add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.

Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cozy baked dish combining savory ground beef, tender rotini pasta, and rich tomato-mustard sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Finished with tangy chopped dill pickles, capturing classic cheeseburger flavors for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups (6 oz) uncooked rotini pasta (brown rice pasta for gluten-free option)

2 tsp olive oil

1½ cups finely chopped onions

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)

¾ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp tomato paste

28 oz diced tomatoes

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 cups reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese

¼ cup chopped dill pickles

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook pasta: Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook onions 5 minutes until softened; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Cook beef: Add ground beef and brown thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add sauce ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, then diced tomatoes and Dijon mustard. Simmer 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Combine: Mix meat sauce with cooked pasta and spread evenly in prepared dish.

7. Bake: Top with grated cheddar and bake approximately 15 minutes until cheese melts and lightly bubbles.

8. Finish: Sprinkle chopped dill pickles over the top before serving.

See also  Salmon Feta Pasta

Notes

Use lean ground beef for healthier casserole.

Stir sauce frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

Reserve some pickles for garnish to adjust tanginess.

Use quality Dijon mustard for deeper flavor.

Bake uncovered for golden, bubbly cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Casserole
• Method: Stovetop & Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 7
• Sodium: 680
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Carbohydrates: 38
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 32
• Cholesterol: 90

Keywords: cheeseburger pasta bake, ground beef casserole, baked pasta with cheddar, easy family casserole, tomato mustard pasta bake