Description

Hey friends, Beau here! Imagine your two favorite comfort foods in one dish: a juicy cheeseburger and a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. That’s exactly what this Cheeseburger Ziti Casserole delivers. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
12 oz ziti or penne pasta (uncooked)
2 cups heavy cream
2–2½ cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or cheddar-mozzarella blend)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional flavor boosters:
- 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder
- 1 tbsp ketchup or yellow mustard
- Pickle slices or chopped green onions for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish; no need to grease.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
Stir in ketchup or mustard if desired. Drain excess grease.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream and about 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Stir until combined (it may look slightly separated; it will come together in the oven).

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Add cooked pasta and browned beef to the cream and cheese mixture. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is golden.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve & Top

Garnish with chopped green onions and pickle slices.
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to bake if starting cold.
Sauce Too Greasy? Drain beef thoroughly or use leaner meat.
Mushy Pasta? Cook pasta al dente and allow casserole to rest before serving.
No Heavy Cream? Use milk + cream cheese, or cream of mushroom/cheddar soup mixed with milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 520 Cal Per Serving
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 25g