Savory Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food Magic

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole that brings classic diner flavors right to your dinner table.

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

Weeknight meals demand something quick and satisfying, and this recipe delivers every single time.

Nostalgic yet modern, the dish combines all the beloved burger elements into a hearty one-pan wonder.

Lean proteins and rich cheese create a balanced meal everyone will devour.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and this delicious dinner.

Trust me, one bite and you’ll make this a regular rotation in your meal planning.

Why Cheeseburger Casserole Feels Like A Hug In A Dish

• Crush Kitchen Complexity: Perfect for home cooks seeking a straightforward recipe without complicated techniques, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned chefs alike.
• Maximize Meal Satisfaction: Packed with protein-rich ingredients like ground beef and bacon, this casserole delivers incredible flavor and hearty nutrition in every single bite.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic burger elements into a delightful one-dish meal that will excite families and friends, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Boost Meal Prep Potential: Provides flexible preparation options with simple steps and minimal kitchen equipment, allowing quick assembly and minimal cleanup after cooking.

The Must-Have Ingredients For Cheeseburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: A savory foundation that provides rich, meaty flavor and substantial texture to the casserole.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help create a cohesive and creamy casserole structure.

• Cream Cheese: Contributes a smooth, tangy richness that adds depth to the casserole.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, velvety texture and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Introduces a subtle tanginess and helps maintain moisture in the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, classic cheese flavor and helps create a golden, melted topping.

• Mustard, Ketchup: Bring classic burger-style condiment flavors to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide aromatic and savory undertones that complement the meats.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast to the creamy base.

How To Make Cheeseburger Casserole From Scratch

Step 1: Brown Burger Base

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Simultaneously, crisp chopped bacon in a separate pan until golden, then drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Sour cream

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution.

Step 3: Season and Combine Flavors

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Assemble Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer cooked ground beef and bacon to the dish, spreading evenly. Pour creamy cheese mixture over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top of the casserole to create a golden, crunchy layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole bubbles and the breadcrumb topping turns a rich golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set and cool slightly before serving.

Tips For A Juicy Cheeseburger Casserole

• Prep Perfectly: Grease the baking dish generously to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
• Brown Brilliantly: Cook ground beef thoroughly, breaking into small crumbles for even texture and maximum flavor absorption.
• Bacon Boost: Crisp bacon separately and drain excess grease to add smoky flavor without making the dish too oily.
• Blend Smoothly: Whisk dairy ingredients until completely smooth to create a creamy, lump-free mixture that coats the meat evenly.
• Top Tastefully: Sprinkle breadcrumbs carefully for a golden, crunchy surface that adds delightful texture to the casserole.

Tasty Ways To Switch Up Cheeseburger Casserole

• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or cauliflower rice for a lighter protein option, maintaining similar flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to accommodate lactose-sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and replace ketchup with sun-dried tomato paste for a Mediterranean burger casserole experience.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap mustard for chipotle sauce, and top with crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a zesty southwestern kick.

Perfect Pairings For Cheeseburger Casserole Nights

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with strong tannins that complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole.
• Enhance with Crisp Salad Companion: Create a light mixed green salad featuring arugula, fresh tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy protein and creamy texture.
• Match with Craft Beer Selection: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale with malty undertones that cut through the casserole's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Garnish with Fresh Herb Accent: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top to add brightness and a subtle green note that lifts the overall flavor profile.

How To Keep Cheeseburger Casserole Fresh And Cheesy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Portion the casserole into individual servings or whole, wrap securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to preserve texture and flavor.
• Place individual serving on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, transfer casserole to baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

Everything You’ve Asked About Cheeseburger Casserole

• Is this a low-carb recipe?

Yes, this burger casserole is keto-friendly with minimal carbohydrates from the breadcrumb topping and no pasta or grains.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork work perfectly as alternative protein options.

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

Look for bubbling edges, a golden-brown breadcrumb top, and an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef safety.

• Are there any potential allergens in this recipe?

Yes, this dish contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, cheddar cheese), eggs, and potentially gluten from breadcrumbs.

Doubly-Cheesy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cheeseburger casserole brings classic diner comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots promise a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup chopped bacon
• 2 large eggs

Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Pantry & Seasonings:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 2 tbsp ketchup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

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, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Simultaneously, crisp the chopped bacon in a separate pan until golden and slightly crunchy, then drain excess grease on paper towels.
4. Transfer the cooked ground beef to a large mixing bowl, and add the crispy bacon pieces, creating a hearty meat base.
5. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl, then blend in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream mixture, ensuring even distribution of dairy components.
7. Stir in mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse the mixture with robust burger-inspired flavors.
8. Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
9. Gently pour the creamy cheese mixture over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the top, creating a golden, crispy topping.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping turns a rich, golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this indulgent dish.
• Drain the ground beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent a watery casserole texture and ensure maximum flavor concentration.
• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to make the recipe lighter and more diet-friendly without sacrificing that smoky, crispy element.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds as a low-carb alternative topping that adds crunch and keeps the dish keto-compatible.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 676
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1120 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 159 mg