Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi)
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1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
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1 bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 block (4 oz / 125 g) cream cheese, cubed
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2 cups (500 ml) beef broth
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1 can (15 oz / 398 ml) tomato sauce
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2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or cheddar + pepper jack blend)
Seasoning Blend
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1½ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½–1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
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¾ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Optional Topping
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½–1 cup crispy fried onions
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½ cup extra shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Build the Sauce
Add beef broth, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings to the skillet.
Bring to a boil and stir well and then let simmer until some of the sauce evaporates and it's a bit thicker.
4. Make it Creamy
Remove from the heat and add cubed cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth, add one cup of shredded cheese as well. The sauce will become rich and thick.
5. Combine
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until fully coated.
6. Bake
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese and optional crispy onions. Bake at 400°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
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Add a splash of broth if the sauce gets too thick
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Use pepper jack cheese for a subtle kick
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Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture
Variations
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Cheeseburger Style: Add pickles and a pinch of mustard powder
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Spicy Version: Increase chili flakes and use hot sauce
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Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms or zucchini to the beef mixture
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.