Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or an additional pound of ground beef, finely diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup steak seasoning
- 2 cups fry sauce (or a mix of ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and a splash of vinegar)
- 1 pound pasta of choice (such as ziti or elbow macaroni), cooked 2 minutes less than al dente
- 1 (8 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
Optional Toppings
- Dill pickles, diced
- Shredded lettuce
- Roma tomatoes, diced
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of chicken, use ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
- Use a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda for added depth of flavor.
- If fry sauce is unavailable, mix equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise, then add a small amount of mustard and vinegar for balance.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken or Extra Ground Beef
If using diced chicken breast as a replacement for bacon, heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. If using extra ground beef instead, cook it in the same manner, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Remove any excess grease and set the meat aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In the same pot, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium heat, breaking apart the beef with a spatula, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Stir in the steak seasoning to enhance the flavor of the beef mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta, fry sauce, half of the shredded cheese, and the cooked chicken (if using). Stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined. The pasta should still be slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish and Add Cheese
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings such as diced pickles, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Notes
- Cooking the Pasta Properly: Boil the pasta for two minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This prevents it from becoming too soft when baked.
- Checking for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the cheese is fully melted and the center is heated through. To check, insert a fork into the middle and feel if the dish is hot to the touch.
- Draining Excess Grease: After cooking the beef, always drain the excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming too oily. If needed, blot the meat with a paper towel.
- Preventing Cheese from Sticking to Foil: Spraying the foil with cooking spray before covering the casserole prevents the melted cheese from sticking.
- Adjusting the Flavor: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the overall taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes