Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

On some nights, deciding on a family dinner is nearly impossible, with each person in the house having a different suggestion. However, after much trial and error, we can say that few meals are better equipped to please all parties than this easy, delicious cheeseburger pasta recipe — a savory, gooey baked dish that combines the best of two classic favorites: pasta and cheeseburgers. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in a flash and is great for feeding a crowd…or not, leftovers are just as delicious on day two as they are when you first make it. Trust us, if you need a sure-fire way to knock dinner out of the park, this is the recipe for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and combines the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting texture of pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love, and it’s perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Ingredients

• 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, tossing with 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sauté the onions until soft.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Drain off and discard any excess fat.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and garlic powder. Cook the mixture until it starts to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes.
6. Spread the cooked pasta in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Layer the beef and onion mixture over the pasta, and then top with cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are starting to brown.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For a more intense flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
• Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to customize this dish by adding ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish is rich in protein from the beef and cheese, and offers a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta. It’s a hearty meal that provides a balanced mix of macronutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

What can I serve with this dish? A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this bake.

Conclusion

We hope you love this Cheeseburger Pasta Bake as much as we do. It’s a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear about your delicious results!