Hamburger Hotdish
A comforting casserole with pasta, ground beef, and a cheesy tomato sauce, baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta about 225 g
- 1 pound ground beef 80% lean, 450 g
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce (425 g) 15-ounce
- 1 can diced tomatoes undrained (411 g), 14.5-ounce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese divided, about 8 ounces / 225 g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. The safe internal temperature for ground beef is 160°F (71°C). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the skillet and stir until everything is combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Food Safety: Ensure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when cooked.
Letting the hotdish rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking allows it to set, making it easier to serve.
You can use other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or elbow macaroni if you do not have rotini.
Feel free to swap the Colby Jack cheese for sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.