This Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole Recipe is a wholesome and protein-packed recipe, which features lean ground beef and fresh green bell peppers. It’s a hearty and satisfying dinner, ready in about 50 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole Recipe Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
- 12 oz. fusilli or cavatappi pasta
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp. country dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese (about 2 cups), divided
- 4 green onions, sliced, plus more for sprinkling
- 3/4 cup crispy fried onions (like French’s)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep the oven and pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with olive oil. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package directions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef and veggies: In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables start to turn golden, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Build the sauce: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, country dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the cubed cream cheese and the milk until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded pepper jack cheese, the sliced green onions, and the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake and serve: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of pepper jack cheese and the crispy fried onions. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden. Sprinkle with extra green onions before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Pasta Texture: Since the pasta bakes in the sauce for 25 minutes, it is crucial to boil it just shy of al dente (1 minute less than package instructions). This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.
- Cream Cheese: Cube the cream cheese before adding it to the hot sauce. This helps it melt quickly and evenly without leaving lumps.
- Cheese Variations: Pepper Jack adds a nice spicy kick. If you prefer a milder casserole, you can substitute it with sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack.
- Vegetables: This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add diced mushrooms or zucchini during the sauté step for extra nutrition.
What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole
This is a rich, one-dish meal, so light and fresh sides work best.
- Green Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette cuts the richness.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy crunch.
- Garlic Bread: If you want to double down on comfort carbs.
- Roasted Carrots: The sweetness complements the savory beef.
How To Store Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes well. You can freeze it baked or unbaked (without the crispy onions). Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking/reheating. Add fresh crispy onions right before serving.
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 28g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 8 servings.
FAQs
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the Pepper Jack cheese and black pepper. To make it kid-friendly, swap the cheese for mild Cheddar. To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean substitute. You may need to add a little extra olive oil when sautéing the vegetables since turkey has less fat than beef.
Can I skip the crispy onions?
You can, but they add a wonderful texture. If you don’t have them, crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs tossed in butter make a good alternative topping.
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Description
A creamy, beefy pasta bake that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with a rich tomato-cream cheese sauce and a crunchy onion topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta al dente; drain.
- Brown beef, peppers, and onion in a large skillet.
- Add garlic, spices, broth, tomato sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire. Simmer 5 mins.
- Remove from heat. Whisk in cream cheese and milk.
- Stir in pasta, green onions, and 1 cup cheese.
- Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and crispy onions.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Sauce: The sauce may look thin before baking, but the starch from the pasta and the cream cheese will thicken it perfectly in the oven.
- Mustard: Country Dijon adds a rustic tang, but regular Dijon or even spicy brown mustard works well too.
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole Recipe
