09/10/2026
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
1½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
12 ounces fusilli or cavatappi pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon country Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (4-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
½ cup milk
8 ounces shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
4 green onions, sliced
¾ cup crispy fried onions
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta in salted water until 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the ground beef, bell pepper, and yellow onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are beginning to caramelize, about 10–12 minutes.
Add garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute.
Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Stir in the cream cheese and milk until creamy.
Mix in 1 cup of pepper Jack cheese, green onions, and cooked pasta.
Transfer everything to the baking dish. Top with the remaining pepper Jack cheese and crispy fried onions.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden.
Sprinkle with additional green onions and serve.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. It can also be frozen; if freezing, slightly undercook the pasta and wait to add the crispy onions until just before baking.
