Description
This Lightened-Up Cheeseburger Pasta Bake takes all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger and combines them with wholesome whole wheat pasta for a healthy, comforting, and satisfying meal. Featuring lean ground beef or turkey, tangy ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish, and a creamy touch of nonfat Greek yogurt, this recipe is a lightened twist on a cheesy casserole favorite. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and can be topped with fresh burger fixings for added crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded light cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Extra pickles
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey along with diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add flavor: Stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, and pickle relish into the browned meat mixture. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make it creamy: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the nonfat plain Greek yogurt and half of the shredded light cheddar cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine and transfer: Mix the cooked pasta into the meat sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm, optionally topped with extra pickles, chopped tomatoes, or shredded lettuce to get the full cheeseburger experience.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey as a lighter alternative to beef for a healthier dish.
- Whole wheat or high-protein pasta increases fiber and protein content.
- The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and reduces fat compared to sour cream or cream cheese.
- Feel free to customize toppings to mimic your favorite burger fixings.
- Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
