Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly comfort food that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and melted cheddar into one satisfying baked dish. Inspired by the classic cheeseburger, this easy casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pan family meal

• Ready in under one hour

• Rich, cheesy, and comforting

• Great for meal prep

• Budget-friendly ingredients

• Kid-approved dinner recipe

INGREDIENTS:

For the Casserole

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef

• 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup beef broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet

• Large pot

• Baking dish (9x13 inches)

• Mixing spoon

• Colander

• Measuring cups and spoons

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

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

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Season with:

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika

• Italian seasoning

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in:

• Diced tomatoes

• Worcestershire sauce

• Yellow mustard

• Beef broth

• Heavy cream

Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet.

Mix well until evenly coated.

Stir in 1½ cups of cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella until melted.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden cheese topping if desired.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole

• Cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

• Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

• Add extra cheese if you prefer an even creamier casserole.

Recipe Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

• Add 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.

Spicy Cheeseburger Casserole

• Mix in diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole

• Cook sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor.

Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole

• Replace the pasta with steamed cauliflower or cauliflower florets.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Steamed broccoli

• Roasted green beans

• Coleslaw

• Roasted carrots

• Pickles

• Corn on the cob

Storage

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

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 560

• Protein: 34g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fat: 31g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Cholesterol: 115mg

• Sodium: 760mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?

Yes. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 3 months.

What pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but rotini, penne, shells, or cavatappi also work well.

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives to ground beef.

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger Casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, cheesy baked pasta dish that's perfect for feeding a family. With seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta baked until golden and bubbly, it's a comforting recipe that's easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a regular favorite.