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Cheeseburger Casserole Pasta

A warm, bubbling pasta casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta baked together in one pan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and cook pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned and no longer pink. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in drained tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add beef broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Remove from heat and slowly stir in heavy cream.
  5. In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Add half the cheddar and all the mozzarella, mixing until cheese begins to melt. Add reserved pasta water if mixture seems dry. Top with remaining cheddar.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just shy of al dente to prevent mushiness after baking. Reserve pasta water to help bind ingredients. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours. Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months. Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.