Cheeseburger Casserole

If you love the flavor of a classic cheeseburger but want the ease of a one-pan meal, this Cheeseburger Casserole is the answer. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta all baked together in a creamy, savory sauce. This dish is comforting, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the dinner table.

Want more comfort food classics like this? Subscribe now and get tasty, easy recipes delivered every week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Burger Flavor – Ground beef, cheese, ketchup, and mustard bring that true cheeseburger taste.
One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and perfect for busy weeknights.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Kid-Approved – Familiar flavors even picky eaters will devour.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pickles (for garnish)
• Optional: Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Large oven-safe skillet or 9×13 inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Large pot for boiling pasta (if cooking separately)
Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
3. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Add the Flavor

1. Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Add the Pasta
Option 1 (One-Pan Method):

1. Stir the uncooked macaroni directly into the beef mixture.
2. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Option 2 (Cooked Pasta Method):

1. Boil macaroni separately until al dente, then drain.
2. Stir into the beef sauce once it’s thickened slightly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

1. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and the milk until melted.
2. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Top with chopped pickles, green onions, or parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy that cheeseburger-in-a-bowl vibe!

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
Use Sharp Cheddar – It adds bold flavor that balances the savory sauce.
Make it Creamier – Stir in extra milk or a spoonful of cream cheese.
Add Crunch – Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
Use Leftover Burgers – Chop up leftover grilled patties for a tasty shortcut.
Spice It Up – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Pair with garlic bread or cornbread for something hearty on the side.
Add a pickle spear on the plate for the full burger experience.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let the casserole cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Reheat in 60-second intervals until hot throughout.
• Add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I use different pasta shapes?
   Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or shells all work well—just keep the volume similar.
3. What kind of cheese is best?
   Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby also melt beautifully.
4. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
   Yes—use plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk alternatives.

Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Casserole is everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger in cozy, casserole form. Cheesy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect family meal that’s easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Make it your own with your favorite toppings and enjoy a comforting dish that’s sure to earn a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

Try it tonight and watch the whole family ask for seconds!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

Print