The Ultimate Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic
Craving a hearty, delicious dish that combines all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger with the ease of a casserole? You’ve come to the right place! This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness you love with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or whenever you need a family-friendly meal. Keep reading for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this dish truly shine!
What is a Cheeseburger Casserole?
A cheeseburger casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the juicy, savory elements of a cheeseburger and the convenience of a one-pan baked casserole. Instead of assembling individual burgers, you layer all the ingredients – ground beef, onions, cheese, pasta (or rice), and condiments – into a casserole dish and bake it to perfection. It’s an easy way to serve a cheeseburger-like meal to a crowd, and the end result is nothing short of delicious.
Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole
Before you dive into making this dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef (1 lb) – Opt for an 80/20 blend for a good balance of flavor and fat.
- Onion (1 medium) – Diced finely to mix well into the casserole.
- Garlic (2 cloves) – Minced for added depth of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – Sharp cheddar works best for that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Adds a nice texture and a bit of acidity to the casserole.
- Ketchup (¼ cup) – Provides that classic burger tang.
- Mustard (2 tbsp) – Just like on your favorite cheeseburger, mustard gives this casserole a kick.
- Elbow Macaroni (2 cups, uncooked) – Adds a pasta element to the casserole for heartiness.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – For sautéing.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp) – Adds savory, umami flavor.
- Pickles (Optional, for garnish) – For that extra cheeseburger-like finishing touch.
Additional Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole
The beauty of a cheeseburger casserole is that you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes. Here are a few more options you can include or swap in:
- Bacon (4 strips, cooked and crumbled) – For a bacon cheeseburger twist.
- Pickle Relish (2 tbsp) – Adds a tangy sweetness.
- Green Bell Peppers (1 medium, diced) – Adds a crunchy, fresh element to balance the richness.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Intensifies the tomato flavor in the dish.
- Cream Cheese (½ cup) – For extra creaminess in the casserole base.
- French Fried Onions (½ cup) – Sprinkled on top for a crunchy topping.
- Hot Sauce (a few dashes) – If you like your cheeseburgers with a little heat.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – If you want a blend of cheeses for added flavor depth.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken (1 lb) – As a substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
- Gluten-Free Pasta – If you’re avoiding gluten, this is a great alternative to traditional elbow macaroni.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, allowing for many substitutions depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some common swaps:
- Meat Substitutes: If you're avoiding red meat, ground turkey or ground chicken works beautifully. For a vegetarian version, opt for crumbled veggie burger patties or lentils as a protein source.
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version.
- Sauce Options: You can replace ketchup with BBQ sauce or use a spicy ketchup for an extra zing.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a cheeseburger casserole is simple, even if you're not a seasoned chef. Follow these steps, and you'll have a delightful dinner on the table in no time.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package directions (usually about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook the beef until it's browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it’s evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with crumbled bacon, pickle slices, or French fried onions if desired. Serve hot.
How to Cook Cheeseburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
This simple breakdown will guide you through the process, from preparing the ingredients to baking the casserole:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Step 2: Boil your elbow macaroni to al dente.
- Step 3: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Step 4: Brown the ground beef and add seasonings.
- Step 5: Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture.
- Step 6: Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake.
- Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Forgetting to Drain the Beef: Leaving too much fat in the skillet after browning the beef can make the casserole greasy.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Be generous with salt, pepper, and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce. Bland ground beef can bring down the whole dish.
- Undercooking the Onion and Garlic: Ensure the onion is fully sautéed for the best flavor; raw onions can overpower the dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A great casserole deserves to be served with style. Here are some ideas for presenting your cheeseburger casserole:
- Garnish: Add pickle slices, fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of mustard on top for a fun and tasty finish.
- Sides: Serve with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Make it a Meal: Consider serving this casserole alongside a bowl of French fries or sweet potato fries to replicate the full cheeseburger experience.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole
Cut the casserole into squares or scoop portions with a large spoon. Each serving should be packed with pasta, ground beef, melted cheese, and a good mix of flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Casserole
Serve your casserole in individual ramekins for a more elevated presentation. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chives, or crumbled bacon for added flair.
Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and baked just before serving. Perfect for meal prep!
- Freeze It: Double the recipe and freeze half of it for a quick dinner on a busy night.
- Cheese Tip: Shred your own cheese for the best melting texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melt.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well in this recipe.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cheeseburger casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger casserole?
A: Absolutely. Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is a wonderful, comforting dish that brings all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger into a convenient, family-friendly meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it tonight and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
PrintCheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Cheeseburger casserole is a simple and delicious dish combining ground beef, pasta, and cheese. It's a family-friendly recipe with minimal prep time. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite burger toppings. Try this comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole today!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix cooked pasta into the skillet, then transfer to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize by adding pickles, bacon bits, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use any type of pasta you prefer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750 mg
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