Cheeseburger Casserole

I love casseroles for school nights. Easy to throw together and kids love them as well.  This one will seem familiar as it is based on one of Americas favorite sandwiches, the cheese burger Enjoy!!!

 

 

6 ounces uncooked rotini pasta (about 2 cups)
2 teaspoons oil
1 ½ cups onions (finely chopped)
1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
1lb lean ground beef
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped dill pickles

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13” inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente, drain.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking up into chunks with a spoon or spatula until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in tomato paste, and then add the tomatoes and mustard. Let the mixture bubble gently until it is slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
Step 3: Toss the meat mixture with the cooked pasta and spread it into the prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese. Place the baking dish into the oven and bake until the cheese has melted (about 15 minutes). Remove from the oven, sprinkle the chopped dill pickles over the top and serve.