Introduction
Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings all the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger into one hearty, oven-baked dish. Imagine seasoned ground beef layered with pasta, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s like biting into a classic cheeseburger, but with the cozy, satisfying feel of a casserole.
This dish has been a family favorite for generations because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, feeding a group of hungry kids, or simply craving comfort food, Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect go-to recipe. It’s also wonderfully versatile, allowing you to add veggies, different cheeses, or even customize it with toppings like pickles, bacon, or jalapeños.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Cheeseburger Casserole because it takes everything I adore about a juicy cheeseburger—savory ground beef, tangy tomato flavors, and melty cheese—and transforms it into a warm, bubbly, oven-baked dish that’s pure comfort. Unlike a regular burger, this casserole is hearty, cozy, and perfect for sharing with family at the dinner table.
Another reason I love it is how versatile and practical it is. I can make it ahead of time, freeze portions for busy nights, or customize it with toppings like bacon, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of special sauce. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that everyone at the table gets excited about—kids, adults, and even picky eaters.
Most of all, I love that Cheeseburger Casserole is comfort food with a twist. It delivers the nostalgia of a cheeseburger in a form that feels homier and heartwarming, especially when baked to golden, cheesy perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel special without being complicated.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Cheeseburger Casserole is a must-try because it’s:
- Family-Friendly – Kids adore it, and adults find it comforting.
- Easy & Affordable – Uses pantry staples and comes together in under an hour.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for meal prepping.
- Customizable – Change the cheeses, add toppings, or adjust the seasoning to fit your taste.
It’s truly one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table happy—whether they’re burger lovers, pasta fans, or casserole enthusiasts.
Recipe Information
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: ~420 calories per serving (varies with cheese and pasta type)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni (or penne, rotini, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for that burger flavor)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional, adds tang)
For the Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Pickles, bacon bits, or jalapeño slices
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook the macaroni until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Make the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard.
- Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Combine with Pasta
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
- Mix well to evenly coat the pasta.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the pasta-beef mixture into the dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with parsley, green onions, or even sliced pickles for a fun burger-like twist.
- This casserole is filling enough to be the star of your meal.
Recipe Tips
- Cook pasta just al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the beefy flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set.
Variations
- Cheeseburger Deluxe Casserole: Add cooked bacon, pickles, and drizzle of special sauce on top.
- Tex-Mex Cheeseburger Casserole: Add taco seasoning to beef and top with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Veggie Cheeseburger Casserole: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
- Double-Cheese Casserole: Layer cheese between the pasta and beef mixture for extra gooeyness.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked casserole (cooled) in a covered dish for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave with a splash of milk for creaminess.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet (for beef mixture)
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect blend of two all-time favorites: the hearty cheeseburger and the cozy casserole. It’s cheesy, meaty, and filling—everything comfort food should be. This recipe is easy to make, loved by kids and adults alike, and endlessly adaptable to your taste.
Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight, at a potluck, or making a big batch to freeze for later, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. One bite and you’ll see why this dish is a comfort classic worth making again and again
Cheeseburger Casserole
Description
Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings all the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger into one hearty, oven-baked dish. Imagine seasoned ground beef layered with pasta, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—then baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
For the Cheese Topping
Optional Garnishes
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the macaroni until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside. Cook the Beef Mixture Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
-
Make the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
-
Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta.
-
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the pasta-beef mixture into the dish. Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly on top.
-
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
