Cozy Cheesy Heaven: The Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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

Layers of savory ground beef melt perfectly with gooey cheese and crispy potato nuggets.

Hearty ingredients create a satisfying one-dish meal that fills hungry bellies with warmth.

Kids absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing dinner that combines classic burger flavors in a convenient casserole format.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with minimal prep and maximum flavor packed into every single bite.

Families will devour this simple yet irresistible dish faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Grab a fork and get ready to become the dinner hero everyone celebrates.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.

• Pasta: The foundational ingredient that adds substance and texture to the dish.

• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the ground beef mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, rounded garlic flavor throughout the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes: Brings moisture and tangy freshness to the meat mixture.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens the tomato flavor in the dish.
• Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy undertone to the flavor profile.
• Ketchup: Introduces a sweet and slightly acidic element to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, savory umami flavor to the casserole.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild heat and subtle spiciness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, crispy, and flavorful top layer.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Set your oven to warm up at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

This ensures the perfect heating environment for your casserole.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta following package instructions.

Once cooked, drain water completely and set pasta aside for later use.

Step 3: Brown Meat and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Add ground beef and chopped onions.

Cook until meat turns brown and onions become translucent.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a rich, tangy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture

Pour cooked pasta into the skillet.

Gently mix pasta with meat sauce until thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish.

Spread evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the casserole, covering the entire surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove casserole from oven.

Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let flavors settle and prevent burning.

Pro Tips for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Drain pasta just before al dente to avoid mushy texture when baking, ensuring a perfect chewy consistency in the final dish.
• Add a splash of beef broth or red wine while cooking ground beef to enhance the meat's richness and complexity.
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become creamy, preventing stringy or oily appearance.
• Choose ground turkey or lean beef (90/10) to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor, making the dish healthier.
• Mix in chopped bell peppers or spinach during beef cooking stage for added nutrition and color variation.

Variations on Cheeseburger Casserole

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

Serving Cheeseburger Casserole

• Family Feast Finisher: Serve alongside crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette for balanced meal that adds fresh crunch.
• Burger Buddy Sides: Pair with classic french fries or sweet potato wedges to enhance comfort food experience and boost satisfying textures.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for bright color pop and subtle herbal freshness that elevates presentation.
• Kid-Friendly Hack: Cut casserole into smaller portions and offer with extra ketchup or ranch dressing to make meal more appealing for younger eaters.

Storing Cheeseburger Casserole Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, bake for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring even heating.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, cheeseburger casserole is a crowd-pleaser that kids love. It combines familiar flavors of a burger with pasta and cheese, making it an exciting meal for children.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.

• What cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is traditional and provides great flavor, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for variety.

• How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

Cheeseburger Casserole That Everyone Loves

• Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a hearty, nostalgic dish that brings the classic cheeseburger flavors into a delightful casserole form, perfect for those seeking a comforting meal.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Whip up this one-pan wonder with minimal prep and easy steps, making it a go-to solution for busy families looking for a quick and delicious dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adding extra toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, or a sprinkle of green onions to make it your own unique creation.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Delight both children and adults with a familiar flavor profile that combines the beloved taste of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a casserole.

Classic Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Cheeseburger Casserole, blending classic burger flavors with hearty pasta. Families and friends will savor each cheesy, meaty bite, making dinner an instant crowd-pleasing celebration of home-style deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Protein and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato-Based Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat, carefully draining any excess fat.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Gently fold cooked pasta into the seasoned beef, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to help set the ingredients.

Notes

• Select short pasta like rotini or shells to help sauce cling better and create more textural interest.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for unique taste profiles.
• Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the dish keto-friendly and lower in calories.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg