Homemade Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: Cozy Family Dinner Joy

Crafting a delectable cheeseburger casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a mouthwatering dish that screams home-cooked satisfaction.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy edges create a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will devour.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Our kitchen adventure promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Cheese lovers and burger enthusiasts unite – this casserole will become your new go-to meal that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic.

Cheeseburger Casserole That Everyone Loves

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combines classic cheeseburger flavors with convenient one-dish cooking, making mealtime a breeze for busy families.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Packs familiar burger taste into a hearty casserole that children and adults will love, transforming dinnertime into a delightful experience.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing you to create a satisfying meal in under an hour with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinners, this dish offers a crowd-pleasing option that's sure to impress without complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this classic casserole.
• Pasta: Provides a comforting and filling foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, melty topping that brings classic cheeseburger flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy and moist base for the beef mixture.
• Mustard, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and classic cheeseburger-style seasoning to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the beef and sauté the onions.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnishing the finished casserole.

Step-By-Step Cheeseburger Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for some serious comfort food action.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

Grab a large skillet and splash some olive oil.

• Ground beef
• Diced onion

Sizzle and cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown and onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create A Flavor Explosion

• Minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Let everything bubble and mingle for 5 minutes, creating a rich, savory sauce.

Step 4: Prepare The Pasta

Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Beef And Pasta

Mix the cooked pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring every noodle gets coated with that incredible sauce.

Step 6: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake To Cheesy Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips To Elevate Cheeseburger Casserole

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter protein alternative.
• Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent clumping and ensure better sauce distribution.
• Add extra cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for more complex flavor profiles.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.

Variations To Try With Cheeseburger Casserole

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning and cheese topping for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Turkey Lean Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavors.

Serving Ideas For Cheeseburger Casserole

Burger Night Remix: Transform this classic casserole into a fun family dinner centerpiece that brings everyone to the table with excitement.

Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where it’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” – perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Weeknight Warrior Meal: Whip up this quick and satisfying casserole when you need a no-fuss dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Lunch Leftovers Magic: Pack cold or warmed portions for a delicious next-day meal that tastes even better after the flavors have mingled overnight.

Storage Tips For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover cheeseburger casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the casserole completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Store in shallow containers to help it cool faster and preserve freshness.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy pasta and familiar burger-like flavors make this a hit with children and adults alike. Most kids love this comfort food dish.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to kick up the heat and add some extra zest to the casserole.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they hold the sauce well and create a better overall texture in the casserole.

Cheesy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheeseburger casserole delivers classic comfort with ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy potato topping. Home cooks can quickly prepare this satisfying meal that brings family dinner favorites into one simple, delicious dish you’ll want to make again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Canned Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté ground beef and onions together, breaking meat into crumbly pieces until beef browns and onions soften, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate excess grease thoroughly.
3. Incorporate garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, mustard, and seasonings into the meat mixture. Allow ingredients to meld and simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
4. Simultaneously prepare pasta in boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Drain pasta completely and set aside.
5. Blend cooked pasta directly into the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the dish.
6. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into a prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a melty golden surface.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.
9. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve piping hot directly from the oven.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting black pepper or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly and easily accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to reduce cooking time and create a stress-free meal preparation experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg