Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheesy, beefy, and packed with classic burger flavor, this Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food the whole family will love. With layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce, it’s like a cheeseburger in casserole form—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a satisfying one-dish dinner.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Flavors – Tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick steps.
One-Pan Dinner – Minimal mess and maximum flavor.
Kid-Friendly – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with beefy goodness.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and reheat with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
½ onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work well)

For the Cheese Sauce:
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra stretch)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
2 tbsp cream cheese

Toppings (Optional):
Chopped pickles
Chopped tomatoes
Shredded lettuce (for serving)
Sesame seeds (for a “burger bun” touch)
Green onions or chives

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing spoon
Pot for boiling pasta
9×13-inch baking dish
Oven or toaster oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
2. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

1. Mix in tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low and stir in milk, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
2. Mix in 1 cup of cheddar and all the mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine & Assemble

1. Add cooked pasta to the meat and cheese mixture. Stir until fully coated.
2. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes if you want the cheese golden and crispy.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

1. Let cool slightly, then top with optional burger-style garnishes like chopped pickles or tomatoes.
2. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
Use Lean Beef – Reduces excess grease but still gives great flavor.
Add Pickles After Baking – Keeps them crisp and tangy.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercook it so it stays firm after baking.
Make It Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Make It a Meal – Serve with a green salad or steamed broccoli for balance.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of roasted veggies or coleslaw.
Pair with sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges.
Top with a dollop of ketchup or burger sauce for extra fun.
Turn leftovers into a wrap with a tortilla for a creative lunch.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Freezing:
Freeze unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
   Yes—just cook it according to the package and use as you would regular pasta.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Definitely—assemble it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Is there a dairy-free version?
   Yes—use dairy-free cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream alternatives.
4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
   Absolutely—both are great lower-fat alternatives to beef.
5. Can I add veggies?
   Of course—try diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.

Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Casserole takes all the best parts of your favorite burger and transforms them into a comforting, cheesy bake that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s satisfying, simple, and oh-so delicious.

Try it out and show off your toppings—I’d love to see how you put your twist on this crowd-pleasing classic!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 660mg

Print