The Best Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner Fun

Comfort food finds a delightful twist with this hearty cheeseburger casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Layers of ground beef meld perfectly with melted cheese and crispy pasta in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Every bite delivers a nostalgic reminder of classic burger flavors, reimagined in a warm, comforting casserole.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this crowd-favorite recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with a dinner that combines the best of hamburger and pasta in one irresistible dish.

Why Cheeseburger Casserole Is Always a Winner

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this cheeseburger casserole with minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this casserole brings everyone to the table, satisfying both kids and adults with its cheesy, meaty goodness.
• One-Skillet Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing most of the dish in a single skillet before transferring to the baking dish, making this recipe a hassle-free cooking experience that saves time and reduces dish washing.
• Versatile Ingredient Flexibility: Easily customize the casserole by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese blends to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Main Ingredients
• Ground Beef: A classic protein that brings rich, hearty flavor to the dish.
• Elbow Macaroni: Pasta that creates a comforting base for the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide creamy, gooey goodness.
• Aromatics and Seasonings
• Onion, Garlic: Flavor boosters that add depth to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Liquid and Binding Ingredients
• Beef Bouillon Cubes, Water: Creates a savory broth for cooking the pasta.
• Sour Cream, Whole Milk: Ingredients that make the casserole creamy and rich.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Tomato Paste, Petite Diced Tomatoes: Sauces that add moisture and tangy flavor.
• Dried Parsley: A light garnish for color and subtle herb notes.

Making Cheeseburger Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F and slather a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s completely cooked.

Make sure to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Step 3: Sprinkle in the Flavor Boosters

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder

Stir and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the onions turn soft and glassy.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Petite diced tomatoes

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Pasta Party

Toss in the elbow macaroni and beef broth.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.

Step 6: Creamy Transformation

Stir in sour cream and whole milk, creating a rich and creamy texture throughout the dish.

Step 7: Cheese Cascade

Transfer half the beef-pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Add the remaining beef-pasta mixture and top with another layer of cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle dried parsley on top for a pop of color.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Tips for Cheeseburger Casserole Perfection

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Choose 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef for a healthier version that reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Watch pasta carefully while simmering to avoid overcooking; aim for al dente texture that absorbs sauce without becoming mushy.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda to add unique depth and personalize the casserole's taste profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Reheat and Store Cheeseburger Casserole the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, ensuring it's tightly sealed, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.

Cheeseburger Casserole Serving Matches

• Pair Zesty Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, cheesy flavors and complement the hearty beef notes.
• Serve Crisp Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast against the casserole's creamy texture.
• Match Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the beef's deep, savory profile and stand up to the cheesy layers.
• Offer Pickled Side Dish: Add quick-pickled cucumbers or tangy dill pickles to introduce a bright, acidic element that balances the casserole's richness.

Cheeseburger Casserole Style Options

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace elbow macaroni with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Substitute: Swap ground beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable bouillon for a meat-free protein-packed casserole that keeps the cheesy essence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of traditional macaroni, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives, and use dairy-free milk and sour cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with similar short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Just ensure the pasta cooking time remains consistent.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor. The recipe will still taste delicious without the extra heat.

• What if I don't have all the seasonings?

No worries. Use whatever herbs and spices you have on hand. A basic combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will still create a tasty casserole.

Classic Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheeseburger casserole brings comfort food nostalgia with its layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy topping. Satisfying midwestern classic delivers crowd-pleasing flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups water
• 3 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the kitchen oven to 400°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray to ensure smooth release.
2. Create a savory beef broth by dissolving bouillon cubes in hot water, stirring until completely integrated and fragrant.
3. Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles and draining excessive fat to maintain a lean mixture.
4. Enhance the meat with aromatic onions, minced garlic, and a robust blend of Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness.
5. Infuse depth by incorporating Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and petite diced tomatoes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Introduce dried elbow macaroni directly into the skillet with prepared broth, covering and simmering until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
7. Transform the mixture into a creamy delight by gently folding in whole milk and sour cream, creating a luxurious sauce that coats every ingredient.
8. Construct layers in the baking dish, alternating beef-pasta mixture with generous handfuls of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution for maximum cheesy goodness.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape of deliciousness.
10. Finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for visual appeal, allowing the dish to rest briefly before serving to let flavors settle and sauce stabilize.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for extra kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier version.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish completely gluten-free and celiac-friendly.
• Prep and store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg