Description
A warm, cheesy, nostalgia-inducing casserole that combines all the best flavors of a classic burger with creamy, baked pasta. Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Serves: 6
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20; turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles also work)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
8 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, shells, rotini, penne)
-
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
-
2 tbsp ketchup
-
1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
-
½ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
-
1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings or mix-ins:
-
Bacon bits, diced jalapeño, black beans, corn, pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, extra cheese, or green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
-
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
-
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Cook onion 3–4 min until soft and translucent.
-
Add garlic, cooking 1 min until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
-
Add ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink.
-
Drain excess fat.
Step 4: Create the “Secret Sauce”
-
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently 5 min.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
-
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with beef sauce, ½ cup milk, and 1½ cups of cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
-
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top.
-
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 min, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest
-
Let the casserole sit 5–10 min before serving to set.
Notes
-
Make ahead: Assemble through Step 6, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake directly from fridge, adding 5–10 min. Freeze unbaked for 3 months.
-
Sauce too dry? Pasta overcooked or too long in oven. Add ¼ cup milk or beef broth before baking.
-
Different pasta: Any small shape works; cook al dente.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 cal Per Serving
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 29 g