Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is the perfect dish to please a crowd and satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Imagine creamy pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheese all baked together, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. For more inspiration, check out this quick lunch recipes recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I use instead of ground beef?
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- What are some great toppings for this dish?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This recipe has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Perfect for game nights or cozy dinners, this casserole promises an explosion of flavor that will keep you coming back for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner options recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The rich flavors of beef and cheese meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal. Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table. Serve it at parties or casual get-togethers for maximum enjoyment. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease but still plenty of flavor in every bite.
- Pasta Shells: Choose medium shells or elbow macaroni; they hold onto the sauce perfectly.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely for even distribution.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; don’t skimp on this one!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives a wonderful tangy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for the best results.
- Ketchup and Mustard: These classic burger condiments add authenticity; adjust to your taste preference.
- Pickles (optional): Sliced pickles can be added as a topping for a zesty crunch.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Basic seasonings enhance the overall flavor; feel free to add more to suit your palate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start with Cooking the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic for extra aroma.
Add Ground Beef to the Mix: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula while stirring frequently.
Stir in Sauces and Seasonings: Once the meat is cooked through, mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes.
Combine Pasta with Meat Mixture: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture until well combined. Pour half into a greased baking dish before layering half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Add remaining pasta mixture on top followed by another generous layer of cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you have an irresistible Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole ready to impress your family or friends! Serve hot with optional pickles on the side for an extra kick of flavor.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is a weeknight lifesaver, combining all your favorite flavors in one dish. The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, making dinner stress-free! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning your ground beef with onions and garlic for flavor. While that’s cooking, boil the pasta until al dente. Combine everything in a baking dish for a cheesy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Cook pasta only until al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven. Brown the meat thoroughly to enhance its flavor. Don’t skimp on cheese—it’s the star of this casserole! [/info_box]
Sharing this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we devoured bowls of cheesy goodness together.
FAQ
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can replace it with turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it beforehand and refrigerate before baking; just add 10 minutes to bake time.
What are some great toppings for this dish?
Try adding crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor and crunch.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole delivers an explosion of flavors your loved ones will crave. Enjoy the nostalgia of family meals as you serve this irresistible dish at your next game night or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Pickles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; brown while breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let simmer for about five minutes.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture and layer half in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top.
- Add remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
