Okay, let’s talk comfort food! I mean, is there anything better than a big, cheesy bowl of… well, anything? But trust me, this Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is where it’s AT. It’s like your favorite juicy cheeseburger decided to ditch the bun and get cozy with some pasta. Seriously, ground beef, cheesy sauce, pasta… what’s not to love?
This recipe is ridiculously easy, perfect for those nights when you just can’t even. Plus, it’s totally customizable. Wanna throw in some bacon? Go for it! Jalapeños? Heck yeah! And the best part? My family *devours* it. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it here and there until it was absolutely perfect. It’s a guaranteed win, every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Okay, so why *this* Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole? Simple: it’s fast, it’s yummy, and everyone will gobble it up. Seriously, what more could you want? Here’s the lowdown:
- Super quick to throw together – even on busy weeknights!
- Seriously comforting flavor – like a warm hug in a bowl.
- A total crowd-pleaser – even the pickiest eaters love it!
- Endlessly customizable – make it your own!
This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is Quick and Easy
Forget grilling burgers! This is WAY easier. You get all those amazing cheeseburger flavors without the fuss. It’s basically like a shortcut to happiness. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
A Family-Friendly Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Kids love it, adults love it – it’s a universal truth! My own kids go absolutely bonkers for this stuff. It’s cheesy, it’s beefy, it’s pasta… it’s basically everything they could ever dream of in a single dish.
Customize Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Want bacon? Add it! Craving some spice? Throw in some jalapeños! Not a fan of cheddar? Use your favorite cheese! This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is your blank canvas. Make it exactly how YOU like it. It’s all good!
Ingredients for Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (we’ll use it in layers!)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste (don’t be shy!)
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, people, let’s get cooking! This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is so easy, I promise you can’t mess it up. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time. Get ready for some cheesy, beefy goodness!
Prepare the Pasta for Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
First things first: pasta! Boil that elbow macaroni until it’s al dente – you know, with a little bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta! Drain it well, and here’s a little secret: drizzle it with a tiny bit of olive oil. This keeps it from sticking together. Easy peasy!
Cook the Beef for Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Now, grab a skillet and heat up that other tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook it until it’s nice and soft, about 3–4 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute. You don’t want it to burn! Next, add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, then drain off any extra fat. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Assemble the Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Time to get saucy! Stir in that can of tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper into the beef. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes – this helps the flavors meld together. In a big bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef sauce, milk, and 1½ cups of that yummy shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything’s nicely coated in that cheesy, beefy goodness. Mmm!
Bake Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Alright, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish – you don’t want your casserole sticking! Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is all melty and bubbly. Keep an eye on it! Once it’s done, let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit. And that’s it! Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole, ready to devour!
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Okay, listen up, ’cause I’m about to drop some serious Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole knowledge! These little tips will take your casserole from “meh” to “OMG, can I have seconds?!” Trust me on this!
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Seriously, nobody likes mushy noodles. Al dente is the way to go.
- Use good-quality cheese. It makes a HUGE difference! Pre-shredded is fine in a pinch, but freshly grated cheddar is where it’s at.
- Don’t be afraid to season! Salt and pepper are your friends. Taste as you go and adjust as needed.
- Let it rest! I know, it’s hard to wait, but letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up and makes it easier to serve.
- Customize, customize, customize! This recipe is a blank canvas. Add your favorite toppings, experiment with different cheeses, make it your own!
Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole Variations
Alright, so you’ve mastered the basic Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole? Awesome! Now, let’s get crazy and try some fun variations! Seriously, this recipe is begging to be customized. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks:
- Bacon, baby! Cook up some crispy bacon and crumble it on top (or mix it in!). Everything’s better with bacon, right?
- Spice it up! Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Cheese, please! Experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, even a little bit of Gruyere would be amazing.
- Veggie power! Throw in some chopped veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Deluxe it! Add a can of drained and diced tomatoes or some cream of mushroom soup for extra flavor and creaminess.
Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new. You might just discover your new favorite Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole combo!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Got questions about this Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this clears things up!
Can I make this Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, since it’ll be cold. Easy peasy!
What are good toppings for Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Think of your favorite burger toppings! Some of my faves are chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles (diced, of course!), a dollop of sour cream, or even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce. Yum!
Can I use different types of pasta in this Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole?
Totally! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use pretty much any short pasta you like. Rotini, penne, shells… they all work great! Just make sure to cook it al dente, no matter what shape you choose.
Storing and Reheating Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (easy!), or bake it in the oven until it’s warmed through. Just add a splash of milk if it seems a little dry. Boom! Instant comfort food, round two!
Nutritional Information for Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
Okay, quick disclaimer: Nutritional info can vary *wildly* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, consider this a rough estimate, not gospel, okay?
Ready to Enjoy Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole?
Alright, you made it! Now go dig in! And hey, if you loved this recipe as much as my family does, leave a comment below or give it a rating. I wanna know what you think!
Print
Irresistible Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a comforting Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole. It combines ground beef, pasta, and a cheesy sauce. This dish is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until soft, 3–4 min. Add garlic, cook 1 min.
- Add ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 min.
- In a bowl, mix pasta with beef sauce, milk, and 1½ cups cheese. Stir until coated.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 min, until cheese is melted.
- Let sit 5–10 min before serving.
Notes
- Customize with bacon, jalapeño, or extra cheese.
- Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well.
- Use cavatappi, shells, rotini, or penne instead of elbow macaroni.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
