If you're craving a juicy cheeseburger but don't want the hassle of grilling, this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta, this dish combines all your favorite burger flavors into one cheesy, comforting casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just want a satisfying dish for yourself, follow this guide and learn how to make a perfect cheeseburger casserole! So grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
What is a Cheeseburger Casserole?
A Cheeseburger Casserole is essentially a deconstructed cheeseburger baked into a casserole dish. Think of it as a cross between your favorite cheeseburger and a pasta bake. It includes all the classic cheeseburger ingredients like ground beef, cheese, onions, and ketchup, but with the addition of pasta to bring everything together in a hearty, one-dish meal. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply enjoying as a weekday dinner.
Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for more flavor)
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or shell pasta work best)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow mustard for a classic cheeseburger flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole Toppings (Optional)
- Dill pickle slices (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (to sprinkle on top for a burger bun effect)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for a pop of color)
- Sour cream or mayonnaise (for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some common substitutions and variations to fit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Ground Beef Substitutes: If you're looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken. For a plant-based version, swap in your favorite ground meat alternative.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to use other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or Colby jack for a mild flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all your other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are certified gluten-free.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Sneak in more nutrition by adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to the beef mixture.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the pasta and use cauliflower florets or zoodles instead for a keto-friendly dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the perfect cheeseburger casserole:
- Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the casserole. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. - Add Flavorings:
After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, and diced tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. - Combine with Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ground beef mixture. Stir in the beef broth and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients. - Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta and beef mixture into the dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. - Bake:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. - Cool and Serve:
Once the casserole is done baking, allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish to set and makes it easier to slice.
How to Cook Cheeseburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Cook the pasta al dente.
- Step 2: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
- Step 3: Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Step 4: Mix the beef mixture with cooked pasta and some cheese.
- Step 5: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Step 6: Let it cool slightly, then serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Skipping the Seasoning: The flavors of this casserole come from the seasoning, so don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain the excess grease after browning the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. You want the cheese to melt and become bubbly, but not to burn or dry out.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving your cheeseburger casserole, presentation matters! Make sure to let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before slicing, as this helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve clean, neat portions.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole
- As a Main Dish: This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal. Pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.
- With Burger-Inspired Sides: Serve with sides like French fries, onion rings, or coleslaw to keep with the cheeseburger theme.
- Family-Style: Serve it straight from the casserole dish at the table so everyone can help themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Casserole
- Garnish with Pickles: Place a few dill pickle slices on top of each serving to give a true cheeseburger feel.
- Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: For a fun touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking to mimic a burger bun.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it Ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Freezing Instructions: Cheeseburger casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Cheese Melting Tip: For an extra gooey texture, cover the casserole with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking, then uncover to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While elbow macaroni and shell pasta are traditional choices, you can use any small pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can boost the nutritional value of this dish. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your taste, and loved by both kids and adults alike. With its melty cheese, savory beef, and tender pasta, it brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into one delicious dish. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight meal, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try it out today and let the cheeseburger magic unfold right in your kitchen!
PrintCheeseburger Casserole Recipe
This delicious Cheeseburger Casserole recipe combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a comforting, baked casserole. With ingredients like ground beef, melted cheese, pasta, and ketchup, it's a hearty dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is easy to prepare and packs all the satisfying taste of a burger in one dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Elbow pasta
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook onions and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with beef mixture and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add pickles or bacon.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
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