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Easy Protein-Packed Cheeseburger Casserole - A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Lean ground beef (1.5 pounds; 90–93% lean)
  • Whole-wheat or high-protein pasta (8 ounces; elbows, rotini, or shells)
  • Yellow onion (1 medium, diced)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces)
  • Ketchup (1/4 cup)
  • Yellow mustard (1–2 tablespoons, to taste)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Dill pickle brine (1–2 tablespoons; optional but great for flavor)
  • Low-sodium beef broth (1/2 cup)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (3/4 cup; 2% or 0%)
  • Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded; divided)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional toppings: diced dill pickles, sliced green onions, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, hot sauce
  • Optional add-ins: cooked turkey bacon crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until just al dente, 1–2 minutes shy of package directions. Drain and set aside. This keeps it from turning mushy in the oven.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking it up, until browned with no pink remaining. If there’s excess fat, drain it.
  5. Build the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and beef broth. Add pickle brine if using. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and mustard.
  6. Make it creamy and high-protein: Reduce heat to low. Stir in Greek yogurt until smooth. Don’t boil after adding yogurt; gentle heat keeps it silky.
  7. Combine with pasta and cheese: Add cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the skillet. Fold gently until everything is coated and melty.
  8. Transfer and top: Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar evenly on top.
  9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  10. Rest and garnish: Let it rest 5–10 minutes so it sets. Top with diced pickles and green onions, or serve with shredded lettuce and tomatoes on the side for that true cheeseburger feel.