Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
When you want the flavor of a juicy cheeseburger but need the comfort and convenience of a casserole, this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is the perfect solution. Packed with ground beef, pasta, melted cheese, and all the savory burger flavors you love, this one-dish wonder is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. It’s rich, filling, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to please picky eaters and foodies alike.
Read on for everything you need to know to make this cheesy, hearty dinner staple at home.
📋 Recipe Overview
- Name: Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American comfort food
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, cheddar cheese, pasta, tomato sauce
🛒 Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or 80/20)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is very lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: pickles or green onions for topping
🧑🍳 Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
🍳 Step 3: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil (if needed) and ground beef.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
🧅 Step 4: Add Flavor Base
- To the cooked beef, add chopped onion and garlic.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
🍅 Step 5: Make the Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and well combined.
🧀 Step 6: Combine & Assemble
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta and 1½ cups of shredded cheese until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
🔥 Step 7: Bake
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly top.
🌿 Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sliced pickles for a true “cheeseburger” finish.
🕓 Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep & Chop | 10 mins |
| Cook Pasta | 10 mins |
| Cook Beef & Sauce | 10 mins |
| Bake | 15–18 mins |
| Cooling Time | 5 mins |
| Total Time | ~45 mins |
🔥 Intensity Level: Easy
This is a beginner-friendly recipe that doesn’t require any advanced techniques. The steps are straightforward—brown, mix, bake—and the cleanup is minimal. A perfect entry point for new cooks and a dependable classic for seasoned home chefs.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftovers or pre-portioned servings for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before freezing.
- Reheat: Microwave individual servings or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm (about 20 minutes if thawed, 40 minutes if frozen).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can easily pair it with:
- Side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- Steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli
- Potato chips for a fun “burger and chips” combo
🌿 Variations & Substitutions
- Add Bacon: Stir in cooked bacon pieces for a bacon cheeseburger flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add 1 diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto Option: Use cooked cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini.
- Cheese Lovers: Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella or pepper jack.
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate – Based on 8 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the pasta and beef used.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Casserole combines everything you love about a classic burger—beef, cheese, tomatoes, and tangy mustard—in one bubbling, golden, comforting dish. It’s family-approved, easy to customize, and even better the next day (hello, leftovers!). Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole brings a little joy to the dinner table with minimal effort.
