Craving the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want an easier, one-dish meal that feeds a crowd? This Cheeseburger Casserole is a family-friendly, cheesy, and delicious dinner idea that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a quick and easy casserole form. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you want to indulge in comforting flavors. Read on for the full recipe, including tips, substitutions, and variations to make it your own!
What is Cheeseburger Casserole?
Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty dish that combines all the ingredients you love in a cheeseburger—like seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings—along with pasta, creating a cheesy, filling casserole. This meal is easy to assemble, bakes in one dish, and is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a comfort food classic that can be customized with your favorite burger toppings and add-ins, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Cheeseburger Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow mustard or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta, cooked and drained)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped pickles, cooked bacon, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, or jalapeños
Substitutions and Variations for Cheeseburger Casserole
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can easily adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some great options for substitutions and variations:
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Low-carb option: Skip the pasta and replace it with cauliflower florets or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free.
- Cheesy upgrade: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add veggies: Bulk up the casserole with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Bacon cheeseburger casserole: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for a rich, smoky flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy, flavorful Cheeseburger Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
- Add seasonings and sauces: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Cook the pasta: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Add any optional toppings, like chopped pickles, bacon, or tomatoes, if desired.
How to Cook Cheeseburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef, then sauté onions and garlic.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Combine pasta with beef mixture and transfer to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes covered, then 5-10 minutes uncovered.
- Let cool slightly before serving with optional toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some tips to ensure your Cheeseburger Casserole turns out perfectly:
- Not draining the beef: Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite) since it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the beef mixture well with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to bring out the flavors in the dish.
- Not baking long enough: Allow the casserole to bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This creates that delicious, cheesy top layer that makes casseroles so irresistible.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a casual, comforting dish, but you can still make it look delicious with a few simple touches:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro can add a fresh pop of color.
- Serve with classic burger toppings: Consider adding a side of pickles, ketchup, mustard, and shredded lettuce for a true cheeseburger experience.
- Pair with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole
This casserole is filling on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:
- Main dish: Serve the casserole as the star of the meal, accompanied by a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Casual family meal: This dish is perfect for family dinners. Let everyone customize their servings with optional toppings like pickles, bacon, or avocado slices.
- At a potluck: Cheeseburger Casserole is great for potlucks or gatherings because it’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time.
Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Casserole
Here’s how to present your Cheeseburger Casserole for an appetizing meal:
- Individual ramekins: For a fun presentation, divide the casserole into small ramekins or oven-safe dishes for individual servings.
- Add toppings after baking: Right before serving, sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped tomatoes, pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup for added flavor and color.
- Serve with a topping bar: Create a “burger bar” with a variety of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, pickles, and bacon for guests to customize their portions.
Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Cheeseburger Casserole even better:
- Double the recipe for a crowd: If you’re feeding a large group, double the recipe and bake it in two casserole dishes or one large baking dish.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish (but don’t bake it), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even shell pasta.
Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftover Cheeseburger Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! You can add vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s packed with cheesy, savory flavors. Combining the classic ingredients of a cheeseburger with tender pasta and baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something deliciously satisfying. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in every bite!
PrintCheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, kid-friendly dish combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melty cheddar cheese for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This hearty casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a simple, baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Top with pickles, ketchup, or mustard for a fun twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Elbow macaroni (or other small pasta, cooked)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of pickles, ketchup, or mustard for a true cheeseburger experience.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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