Cheesy Cream Cheese Hamburger Pasta Casserole

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Satisfy your cravings and indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Cheesy Cream Cheese Hamburger Pasta Casserole. This mouthwatering dish brings together tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious blend of creamy cheeses, baked to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this hearty casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow along with our simple recipe and treat yourself to a deliciously comforting meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ small green pepper, diced
  • ½ small red pepper, diced
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese or mozzarella, shredded
  • 12 oz pasta of your choice (cooked al dente)
  • 3 cups pasta sauce of your choice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s almost fully browned.
  3. Add the chopped onion, diced peppers, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked through.
  4. While the beef mixture is cooking, boil water in a medium saucepan for the pasta. Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente perfection, then drain and set it aside.
  5. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  6. In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the beef mixture and half of the pasta sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and pasta sauce. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  10. Dish out generous portions of this cheesy delight onto plates and enjoy the irresistible flavors!

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 460
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 27g

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve this Cheesy Cream Cheese Hamburger Pasta Casserole hot and fresh from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience.
  2. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
  3. Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
  4. Accompany the casserole with some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping into the cheesy goodness.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  3. You can also portion out individual servings and freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
  4. To reheat frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Twist: Skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make a vegetarian version of this casserole. You can also substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat for a meatless alternative.
  2. Mexican-Inspired: Give the casserole a Mexican flair by adding some taco seasoning to the ground beef mixture and using salsa instead of traditional pasta sauce. Top it with shredded Mexican cheese blend, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives for a delicious twist.
  3. Buffalo Chicken: Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Mix in some diced celery and crumbled blue cheese along with the cream cheese mixture for a buffalo chicken-inspired casserole.
  4. Italian Style: Transform the casserole into an Italian delight by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef and adding Italian seasoning to the mixture. Use marinara sauce instead of pasta sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a taste of Italy.
  5. Seafood Delight: Create a seafood version by using cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of ground beef. Mix in some diced bell peppers and onions along with a seafood seasoning blend. Substitute the pasta sauce with Alfredo sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese for a decadent seafood casserole.
  6. Spinach and Artichoke: Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the cream cheese mixture for a flavorful twist. Mix in some minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, and top the casserole with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a creamy spinach and artichoke casserole.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties work well in this casserole.
  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if the casserole is chilled.
  3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  4. What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of ricotta cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.
  5. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
  6. Is there a low-fat version of this casserole? You can use low-fat or fat-free versions of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese to reduce the fat content of the casserole. Additionally, opting for lean ground beef or ground turkey can also help lower the fat content.
  7. What can I serve alongside this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
  8. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas to increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor.

With its rich blend of flavors and creamy texture, our Cheesy Cream Cheese Hamburger Pasta Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this hearty dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the convenience of a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give our recipe a try and treat yourself to a taste of cheesy goodness!