Top-Notch Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food Magic

Comfort food takes an exciting twist with this hearty cheeseburger casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of savory ground beef meld perfectly with melted cheese and crispy bread crumbs.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your palate, bringing childhood memories back to life.

Familiar ingredients combine in unexpected ways, creating a dish that feels both classic and innovative.

Simple pantry staples become something extraordinary with minimal preparation time.

Weeknight dinner just got a delicious upgrade that everyone will love.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family meal.

What To Love About Cheeseburger Casserole

• Transform Leftovers into Magic: Convert simple hamburger ingredients into a mouthwatering casserole that transforms ordinary components into an extraordinary meal.
• Customize with Ease: Add personal touches like extra pickles, different cheese varieties, or swap bread types to match your family's unique taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish that combines protein, bread, and cheesy goodness into a satisfying complete meal.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef, bread, and basic pantry staples to create a delicious dinner without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Hamburger Buns or Bread: Torn pieces provide a soft, absorbent foundation for the casserole.

• Ground Beef: The main protein that brings rich, savory flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential spices that enhance the ground beef's natural taste.

• Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a creamy, rich binding that holds the casserole together.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the liquid mixture.
• Ketchup, Mustard: Add tangy and sweet flavor notes to the base.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, sharp covering that adds richness to the casserole.
• Pickles, Onions, Parsley (Optional): Offer fresh texture and additional flavor complexity.

Cheeseburger Casserole Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook The Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into tiny crumbles and cook until all traces of pink disappear, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Season The Meat

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir everything to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Create Bread Foundation

Rip hamburger buns or bread into small bite-sized pieces. Spread these pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a tasty base layer.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Liquid

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Flour

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir ketchup and mustard into the liquid mixture, whisking thoroughly to incorporate these zesty condiments.

Step 7: Layer The Beef

Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the bread pieces, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Pour Creamy Mixture

Gently pour the egg and cream mixture over the beef, allowing it to seep between layers and create a delicious binding.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the entire casserole surface.

Step 10: Optional Toppings

• Diced pickles
• Diced onions
• Chopped parsley

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden brown cheese and completely heated through.

Step 12: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps ingredients settle and makes serving easier.

Tips To Make Cheeseburger Casserole Better

• Prevent Sticking Carefully: Grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Beef Browning Technique: Cook ground beef on medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles and draining excess fat for a crispy, non-greasy texture.
• Create Creamy Consistency: Whisk eggs, milk, and cream smoothly to develop a rich, binding mixture that helps hold the casserole together perfectly.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Distribute seasonings and condiments evenly throughout the beef to guarantee a balanced, delicious bite in every spoonful.
• Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Sprinkle cheese generously and allow it to brown slightly for a golden, crispy top that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.

Cheeseburger Casserole Swaps And Add-Ins

• Cheeseburger Casserole for Vegetarians: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasonings and layering technique for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole: Swap bread pieces with cauliflower rice or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Cheeseburger Casserole: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired variation.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free bread or almond flour instead of regular flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting casserole.

What Goes With Cheeseburger Casserole

• Tangy Side Companion: Serve Dill Pickle Spears – Crisp, zesty pickles echo the burger-inspired casserole's flavor profile, providing a sharp contrast to the creamy, cheesy dish.
• Vibrant Salad Partner: Toss Fresh Coleslaw – Crisp, cool cabbage salad with a zesty vinegar dressing balances the warm, hearty casserole, adding crunch and brightness to the meal.

Storage Instructions For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Cheeseburger Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

• Are the hamburger buns or bread crucial to the recipe?

Yes, they create a foundational layer that absorbs the creamy egg mixture and provides structure to the casserole, giving it a unique texture and helping to bind the ingredients together.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives can work well as substitutes for ground beef, allowing flexibility based on dietary preferences or availability.

• What makes the egg and cream mixture important?

The egg and cream mixture acts as a binding agent, adding richness and moisture to the casserole while helping to create a cohesive dish that holds together when served.

• Is the cheese necessary for the recipe?

While cheese adds flavor and a golden-brown topping, you can reduce the amount or use a different cheese variety like monterey jack or swiss based on your taste preferences.

Meltaway Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheeseburger casserole delivers classic American comfort with a hearty twist of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy topping. Diner-style flavors merge into one satisfying baked dish that brings smiles around the family table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package hamburger buns or bread

Starch/Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning/Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup diced pickles
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4. Tear the hamburger buns or bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them as a base layer across the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, and flour until smooth and well-combined, creating a creamy binding mixture.
6. Add ketchup and mustard to the liquid mixture, whisking to incorporate these flavor-enhancing condiments thoroughly.
7. Layer the seasoned ground beef over the bread pieces, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the beef, allowing it to seep between the layers and bind the casserole.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, covering the casserole completely.
10. Optionally, scatter diced pickles, diced onions, and chopped parsley over the cheese layer for added texture and freshness.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and become more cohesive.

Notes

• Customize bread choice with gluten-free options like almond flour bread or cauliflower crust for low-carb diets.
• Substitute lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce fat content and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating, allowing flavors to meld before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg