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Top-down view of a Dairy-Free Hamburger Casserole featuring rotini pasta and seared beef in a pale-orange sauce with parsley garnish.

Dairy-Free Hamburger Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food

This Dairy-Free Hamburger Casserole features rotini pasta and perfectly seared ground beef in a thick, creamy orange sauce. A family-friendly, dairy-free dinner that delivers nostalgic comfort without the cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz (340g) Rotini Pasta Cooked al dente
  • 1 lb (450g) Lean Ground Beef Seared until browned
  • 2 cups (480ml) Dairy-Free Milk Unsweetened cashew or oat preferred
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Nutritional Yeast For cheesy flavor
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Tomato Paste For color and depth
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley Chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Rectangular white ceramic baking dish
  • 1 Large Skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, dark brown edges form. Drain excess fat.
  3. Whisk in dairy-free milk, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, and spices into the skillet. Simmer until a thick, creamy orange sauce forms.
  4. Combine pasta and beef mixture in a ceramic dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden-brown patches appear.
  5. Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Use unsweetened milk to avoid a sweet aftertaste.
Don't skip the tomato paste; it provides the orange color.