Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner, combining all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger into a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly casserole. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato-based sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this easy one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and meal prep.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole delivers the satisfying taste of a cheeseburger without firing up the grill. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Loaded with cheesy goodness
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Ready in about an hour

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

• Serves 8

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped dill pickles
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions
• Crumbled cooked bacon
• Sesame seeds

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Colander
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and diced onion.

Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Add to the skillet:

• Diced tomatoes
• Cheddar cheese soup
• Beef broth
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet.

Mix until all the pasta is coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Spread evenly.

Top with:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven.

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

Temperature Guide

Step	Temperature	Time
Cook Beef	Medium-High Heat	6–8 minutes
Simmer Sauce	Medium Heat	3–4 minutes
Bake Casserole	375°F (190°C)	20–25 minutes
Rest Before Serving	Room Temperature	10 minutes

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole

Cook Pasta Al Dente

The pasta will continue cooking while baking.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-packaged cheese.

Drain Excess Fat

Removing excess grease keeps the casserole from becoming oily.

Don’t Overbake

Bake only until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let It Rest

Resting allows the casserole to firm up and improves texture.

Delicious Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Add 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture.

Pickle Cheeseburger Casserole

Stir in ½ cup chopped dill pickles before baking.

Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole

Replace pasta with cauliflower florets.

Spicy Cheeseburger Casserole

Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.

Mushroom Swiss Version

Replace cheddar with Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• Garden salad
• Coleslaw
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Garlic bread
• Corn on the cob
• Cucumber salad

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze tightly wrapped casserole for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Oven

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Microwave

Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes until hot.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

• Calories: 465
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Rotini, shells, penne, or bowtie pasta all work well.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw before baking for best results.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the classic cheeseburger flavor, but Colby Jack or American cheese also work well.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions.