Description
Get ready to fall in love with this rich and cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole — a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals. Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy pasta shells, tangy ketchup, and loads of gooey melted cheese, this easy recipe brings the flavor of a cheeseburger to your dinner table in casserole form. It’s the ultimate family favorite and a great addition to your list of weeknight dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 oz pasta shells
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pickles or crumbled cooked bacon
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the meat sauce with cooked pasta. Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with remaining cheese.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Undercook your pasta slightly to keep it from going mushy during baking.
For extra cheeseburger vibes, add chopped pickles or crumbled bacon before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 740
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, dinner casserole, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, family meal