What is Cheeseburger Casserole?
Cheeseburger casserole is your favorite fast-food indulgence transformed into a cozy, family-style dinner. Instead of buns, the classic cheeseburger ingredients are layered with pasta and baked until bubbly and golden.
This recipe draws inspiration from the mid-20th century American love of casseroles—simple, economical, and designed to feed a hungry family. Think of it as a homemade upgrade to Hamburger Helper, but fresher, cheesier, and far more flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Only 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and cheese.
- Kid-Approved: Familiar flavors win over picky eaters.
- One-Dish Wonder: Less cleanup, more convenience.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead of time or freeze for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the casserole base:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional toppings:
- Diced pickles
- Fresh parsley or green onions
- Extra tomatoes or lettuce
- Additional burger condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard)
Kitchen Tools Required
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch casserole dish (or oven-safe skillet)
- Cutting board + sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cheese grater (for best melting results)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation (10 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture (15 minutes)
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat (5–7 minutes).
- Add onion halfway through and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire, mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add diced tomatoes and broth. Stir well.
3. Assemble & Bake (25 minutes)
- Stir in pasta and 1 cup of cheese.
- Transfer mixture to casserole dish (or keep in oven-safe skillet).
- Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 5–10 more minutes until cheese bubbles.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Undercook pasta slightly to avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh cheese—it melts creamier than pre-shredded.
- Let it rest before serving for neat slices.
- Enhance textures: Top with crisp lettuce, pickles, or tomatoes for burger-like crunch.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble, refrigerate, and bake the next day (add 10–15 mins to cook time).
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with:
- A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or buttered rolls.
- Drinks: iced tea, lemonade, or even a light red wine.
For family dinners, add a side of roasted veggies for balance.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (tightly wrapped) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth to prevent drying.
Variations & Substitutions
- Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add crumbled bacon inside and on top.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for steamed cauliflower florets.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground beef + veggie broth.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
- Pizza Burger Casserole: Use pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
(Values will vary depending on ingredient brands and toppings.)
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q: Can I substitute rice for pasta?
Yes, but cook rice separately first. Use 3 cups of cooked rice instead of pasta.
Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check broth/condiments for gluten-free labels.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Casserole combines comfort food flavors with weeknight convenience. It’s cheesy, hearty, and endlessly customizable—making it a guaranteed family favorite.
