What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about it casserole? If you’re like most people, you think about that day of the week when we tend to gather everything in the refrigerator that is about to go bad and throw it into a single pot. Although that is one definition of casserole, it certainly does not define this delicious meal.
If your family tends to dread casserole dinner, perhaps it is time to change that for them once and for all. After you make this cheeseburger casserole, which cooks in a single pot, you will find that they come running to the table when the word casserole is mentioned. This is one of those delicious treats that is not only easy to make, it is fantastic to eat.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 pound rotini pasta
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 Roma tomato, diced
2 green onions, sliced
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add ground beef and onion and cook until beef has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, mustard, pasta and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-16 minutes.
Remove from heat and top with cheese. Cover until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with tomato and green onions, if desired.