Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole: A Cozy Family Classic
There’s something utterly comforting about a warm casserole that brings together all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. The creamy, savory layers of this Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole transport me back to my childhood, where cozy family dinners were a tradition every Sunday evening. The aroma of sizzling ground beef mixed with the sweetness of diced onions and the heartiness of melting cheese wafted through the house, wrapping us in a blanket of warmth.
Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or need a quick and satisfying dinner, this easy weeknight dinner ticks all the boxes. And the best part? It’s so simple to prepare that you’ll have more time to enjoy those moments with your loved ones. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this dish comes together seamlessly in just one pot!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love this nostalgic twist on two favorite meals combined.
- Super Cheesy: With loads of melted cheddar, every bite is rich and ooey-gooey.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to create your perfect bowl!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is great for leftovers or freezing for later cravings.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, pickles, mustard
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, cooked pasta, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot, adding your optional toppings as desired.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not give these fun twists a try?
- Zesty BBQ: Mix in some barbecue sauce for a tangy flavor explosion that’ll remind you of summer cookouts.
- Veggie Delight: Add some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for a crunchy, healthful boost.
- Mac and Cheese Mashup: Swap out the ground beef for turkey burger and throw in some extra cheddar and cream cheese for an ultra-creamy finish.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Stir in some taco seasoning and top with sliced jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream for a spicy kick.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This casserole can be assembled the day before. Store it in the fridge, then bake it right before serving.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to switch out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.
- Slicing Tricks: If you want to save time, use pre-diced onions or the frozen minced garlic from the store.
- Leftover Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for a cozy dinner later!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
Reader FAQs About Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to switch out proteins, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? If frozen, it should last up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!
A Cozy Closing Note
This Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a memory-maker. Each serving is filled with the warmth of a home-cooked meal, bringing everyone together at the dinner table in joyful chatter. I hope you find this recipe as heartwarming and nostalgic as I do. Save this Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
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Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy family classic that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy casserole dish. Perfect for quick and satisfying dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, pickles, mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, cooked pasta, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot, adding your optional toppings as desired.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Feel free to customize with different proteins and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, cheeseburger, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe