The Irresistible Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort food meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole that promises to satisfy serious hunger pangs.

Layered ingredients create a hearty meal bursting with familiar flavors.

Cheesy goodness melts perfectly between seasoned ground beef and crispy edges.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together in one pan.

Weeknight dinners just got more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple techniques ensure you can craft a memorable meal without complicated steps.

Hungry for a delicious twist on classic burger flavors?

Dive right in and make dinner something special tonight.

Cheeseburger Casserole Comfort In A Dish

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This casserole transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a one-dish wonder that saves precious cooking time and minimizes kitchen cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar taste of ground beef, cheese, and pasta combined in a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a nostalgic diner experience.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like using ground turkey, adding extra veggies, or experimenting with different cheese types to match your family's preferences.
• Stress-Free Weeknight Solution: Perfect for busy households, this recipe requires minimal prep, uses basic pantry staples, and delivers a complete meal in under an hour with simple cooking techniques that even beginner cooks can master.

Ingredients For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: A savory protein that forms the hearty base of the cheeseburger casserole.
• Pasta: The carbohydrate foundation that provides structure and bulk to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A classic cheese that delivers rich, melty flavor typical of a cheeseburger.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the meat mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that add moisture and tangy brightness to the casserole.

• Tomato Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Condiments and seasonings that enhance the classic cheeseburger taste profile.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Pickles, Ketchup: Classic cheeseburger condiments for additional flavor and traditional presentation.

How To Prepare Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set it aside, ready for the flavor explosion.

Step 3: Sizzle the Aromatics

Splash some olive oil in a skillet and dance those onions and garlic around until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, making sure to drain any extra grease.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Salt
• Pepper

Let everything simmer and get cozy for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Transfer

Mix the cooked pasta with the beefy goodness, then slide the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Final Touches

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with pickles or a zigzag of ketchup.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips For Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole

• Remove all excess water to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Cook ground beef on medium-high heat to develop a deep, caramelized taste and eliminate excess grease.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor or mix cheeses like mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Avoid watery tomatoes by draining canned diced tomatoes before adding to the beef mixture.
• Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version of the dish.

Variations To Try With Cheeseburger Casserole

• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Suggestions For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the casserole on a large wooden board with crisp lettuce leaves, sliced pickles, and extra ketchup for a fun, casual serving style.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the hot casserole dish in the center of the table with small side plates, allowing everyone to scoop their own hearty portion and enjoy family-style dining.
• Burger Buddy Sides: Pair with classic cheeseburger companions like crispy french fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad to complete the meal's comfort food experience.
• Leftover Lunch Hack: Transform cold leftovers into a delicious wrap by rolling the casserole in a large tortilla with extra cheese and fresh greens for a quick next-day lunch.

Proper Storage For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, checking temperature periodically.

FAQs

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty flavors and familiar cheeseburger taste. It’s an easy way to get children excited about dinner.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious with alternative protein choices.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Try using lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This casserole is super simple and perfect for beginner cooks. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a tasty meal in no time.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Midwestern cheeseburger casserole delivers classic comfort with ground beef, cheese, and pasta layers. Home cooks appreciate this hearty dish that combines familiar flavors in one satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnish:

• Pickles
• Ketchup

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
5. Eliminate excess fat from the meat by carefully draining.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes.
7. Combine cooked pasta with the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Transfer the combined mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
11. Optional: Garnish with sliced pickles or drizzle ketchup before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the cheese by swapping cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Reduce carbohydrate content by substituting pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Enhance protein intake by adding extra lean ground beef or mixing in ground turkey for more nutritional variety.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners faster and easier.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg