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Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe

Ultimate Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

This Cheeseburger Pasta Bake combines classic flavors in a delightful casserole, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water for every 2 quarts of water
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 0.25 cup tomato puree
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup chicken stock
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • casserole dish

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 9 to 11 minutes until mostly cooked. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef. Season with oregano, sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  4. To the cooked beef, add butter, chopped onions, minced garlic, and tomato puree. Stir until fully combined and fragrant.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, dried parsley, dried basil, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack and 1 cup cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese layer is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve immediately for a saucy casserole, or let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting for a firmer texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 40g

Notes

Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. Adjust the cheese selection to include your favorites for a personalized twist.

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