Description
Family Vacation Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal made in the Instant Pot. It combines lean ground beef, rotini pasta, a tomato-based sauce, and a tangy twist of diced dill pickles, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This quick and easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced dill pickle
Instructions
- Sauté the Beef and Onion: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Once it displays HOT, add the lean ground beef and break it up. Add the diced onion and brown everything together for about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily. Stir in the tomato paste, spicy brown mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Add Broth and Deglaze: Pour in the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot, ensuring no bits are stuck. This prevents the Instant Pot from displaying a burn warning. Then, turn off the sauté mode.
- Add Pasta and Tomato Sauces: Sprinkle the rotini pasta evenly over the broth in the pot. Pour the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes on top of the pasta without stirring, allowing the noodles to cook properly during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual/pressure cook button and set the timer for 3 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 5 to 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to venting to release any remaining steam. Remove the lid safely.
- Finish with Cheese and Pickles: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced dill pickles thoroughly until the cheese melts and everything is well combined, adding a creamy and zesty finish to the casserole.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon out the casserole onto plates or bowls and serve warm. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute spicy brown mustard with Dijon or yellow mustard.
- You can replace dill pickles with sweet pickles or omit them if you prefer a traditional tomato-beef casserole.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ensure you do not stir the pasta and tomato sauce before pressure cooking to avoid thickening and sticking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
