Hearty Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole brings comfort food to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

Layers of savory ground beef meld perfectly with melted cheese and crispy pasta edges.

Comfort classics often spark memories of home-cooked meals shared around the kitchen table.

Families and friends gather eagerly when this hearty dish emerges from the oven, bubbling with golden-brown goodness.

Packed with familiar flavors, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal everyone will adore.

Crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, one bite promises to transport you to culinary bliss.

Dive into this recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What You’ll Love About Cheeseburger Casserole

• Craft a Comfort Feast: Dive into a nostalgic dish that transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a creamy, satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine all the beloved cheeseburger ingredients in one pan, reducing prep time and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Culinary Magic: Create a universally loved meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal option for gatherings, potlucks, and family meals.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra cheese, different herbs, or additional toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours without compromending its delicious core.

Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: A savory protein base that provides the classic cheeseburger flavor and substance for the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy pork pieces that add a smoky and rich flavor to the dish.

• Milk: Helps create a creamy and smooth texture in the casserole.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel of the dish.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help set the casserole's structure.
• American Cheese Slices: Melts beautifully to create a classic cheeseburger-style layer.

• Onions: Provide a sweet and savory base flavor to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy and slightly sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used to moisten the breadcrumb topping.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy and golden topping for the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright and fresh garnish that adds color and a mild herbal note.

Instructions For Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Coat the entire surface with cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Toss chopped bacon into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until it turns crispy and golden, releasing all those delicious drippings. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook the onions until they become translucent, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Mixture

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Eggs
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Layer the Meat Base

Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the meat.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Arrange American cheese slices across the meat layer, creating complete coverage.

Step 8: Pour the Cream

Gently pour the cream mixture over the cheese and meat, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.

Step 9: Create Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Olive oil

Combine thoroughly, then sprinkle evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center looks set and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest and Garnish

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice up this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole and serve warm. Get ready for a comfort food experience that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Expert Tips For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Master Bacon Crispiness: Cook bacon over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, letting it render its delicious fat for extra flavor in the dish.
• Create Smooth Cream Mixture: Whisk milk, cream, eggs, and seasonings thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky, even texture throughout the casserole.
• Maximize Cheese Coverage: Layer American cheese slices completely across the meat to guarantee every bite is cheesy and delicious.
• Achieve Perfect Breadcrumb Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil before sprinkling to create a golden, crunchy crust that adds textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

Cheeseburger Casserole Customization Ideas

• Keto Cheeseburger Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, swap milk and cream for full-fat alternatives, and use low-carb cheese to create a ketogenic-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, use vegetarian bacon bits, and maintain the creamy cheese sauce for a meatless option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for topping, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and check mustard and cheese labels for potential gluten contamination.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Replace American cheese with feta, add diced tomatoes and oregano, and use ground lamb instead of beef for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

What To Pair With Cheeseburger Casserole

• Savor with Robust Red Wine: Pair this rich, meaty casserole with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the hearty beef and bacon flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese with its tannic structure.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Balance the heaviness of the casserole with a crisp mixed green salad featuring a light vinaigrette, which adds brightness and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that matches the casserole's savory profile, enhancing the smoky bacon and beef notes while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Add Zesty Pickles: Serve tangy dill pickle spears alongside the casserole to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the creamy, cheesy dish.

Storage Solutions For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the container for easy tracking.
• Cut desired portion, place on a microwave-safe plate, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Cheeseburger Casserole FAQ

• Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative with similar seasoning and cooking method.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children typically love the cheeseburger flavors and cheesy texture of this casserole.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and a set, bubbly center, which indicates the eggs and cream have properly cooked through.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, adding 10-15 minutes to the original baking time.

Cream-laden Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheeseburger casserole brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with cheesy, savory layers of ground beef and crispy pasta. Families will devour this nostalgic one-pan meal that delivers satisfying flavors in every comforting bite you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 slices american cheese
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped

Produce:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Pantry and Dairy:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, crisp the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until golden and rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
3. Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté the diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until completely browned and no pink remains, draining excess fat if necessary.
5. Whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
6. Layer the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then distribute the crispy bacon pieces over the meat.
7. Arrange American cheese slices uniformly across the meat layer to create a complete coverage.
8. Gently pour the cream mixture over the cheese and meat, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until thoroughly combined, then sprinkle the mixture evenly across the top of the casserole.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
12. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty cheeseburger casserole.

Notes

• Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor depth in the casserole.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy texture in the final dish.
• Swap American cheese with sharp cheddar or monterey jack for a more complex flavor profile.
• Reduce carbohydrate content by substituting breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 646
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1030 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg