Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole

Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole – This is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s packed with all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger – ground beef, juicy tomatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles – but in a convenient casserole form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, or sliced onions.

Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole

What You’ll Need:

• For the Casserole:
  • Rotini pasta (8 oz)
  • Ground beef (2 lb)
  • Onion (1 large, chopped)
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  • Green bell pepper (1, chopped)
  • Diced tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
  • Dried parsley (1 teaspoon)
  • Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Dried mustard powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated)
• For the Toppings (Optional):
  • Chopped pickles
  • Chopped fresh tomatoes
  • Chopped iceberg lettuce
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Sliced onions

Easy Steps to Make a Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a pot of salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (including the juice), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried parsley, oregano, dried mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray, combine the cooked pasta and the cheeseburger mixture.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with grated cheddar cheese.
8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy! Before serving, garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped pickles, fresh tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, ketchup, mustard, or sliced onions.

Tips:

• For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef as it cooks.
• If you don’t have rotini pasta, you can use another type of short pasta, such as elbow macaroni or penne.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Recipes:

Don’t Miss Out: