Gluten Free Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole with Cheddar
A hearty one-dish comfort meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender gluten-free pasta, and melted cheddar cheese in a rich tomato base. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry family. This gluten-free version delivers all the satisfying flavors of a classic hamburger casserole without compromising on taste or texture. The beef mixture simmers to develop deep flavors before being combined with pasta and topped with bubbly cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Cook ground beef in skillet over medium heat until browned and drain excess fat
- 3
Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until onion is translucent
- 4
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper and simmer for 10 minutes
- 5
Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions and drain
- 6
Combine cooked pasta with beef mixture and transfer to baking dish
- 7
Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top
- 8
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- 9
Let cool for a few minutes before serving
Tips
Drain pasta slightly underdone since it will finish cooking in the oven
Let the beef mixture simmer the full 10 minutes to concentrate flavors and reduce excess liquid
Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for more complex cheese flavor
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 10 minutes to baking time
Serve hot directly from baking dish with side salad or vegetables
Common Mistakes
Drain pasta well to avoid watery casserole
Don't skip simmering step or sauce will be too thin
Use oven-safe baking dish to prevent cracking
Substitutions
for non-gluten-free version
FAQ
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes, substitute equal amounts of regular pasta and cook according to package directions. This will no longer be gluten-free.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled casserole up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
What if I don't have tomato sauce?
Use additional diced tomatoes or substitute with marinara sauce. You may need to simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.