Cheeseburger Casserole

Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food

A comforting and hearty dish that brings together the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a convenient casserole form.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-01T19:29:44.031Z

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a family favorite that combines ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese into a delicious dinner option. It's perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite toppings!

Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Rich beef flavor with gooey melted cheese
  • Comforting and satisfying for the whole family
  • Quick to prepare and easy to clean up

A Family-Friendly Meal

Cheeseburger casserole is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings families together. This dish combines the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults. With its hearty ingredients and cheesy goodness, it’s the perfect way to satisfy even the most discerning appetites. Plus, since it’s all cooked in one dish, you can enjoy more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.

This casserole serves as a wonderful canvas for creativity. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out cheeses based on your family's preferences. Whether you choose to include bell peppers for an extra crunch or opt for a spicy pepper jack cheese for a kick, the possibilities are endless. This flexibility makes it suitable for various dietary needs and taste profiles.

Quick and Convenient

In today's fast-paced world, finding quick and easy recipes is essential. This cheeseburger casserole is designed to be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, you can whip up a delicious dinner without spending all evening in the kitchen. Simply gather your ingredients, cook, combine, and bake—it's that simple!

Cleaning up after dinner can often feel like a chore, but with this recipe, you can breathe easy. Since everything is made in one skillet and one baking dish, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash. This not only saves time but also reduces the hassle of meal preparation. Enjoy a hearty meal without the usual kitchen chaos!

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're looking to simplify your weekly meal planning, this cheeseburger casserole is an excellent option. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great choice for busy families or individuals who want to ensure they have a delicious meal ready to go.

Additionally, this casserole freezes exceptionally well. Prepare a double batch and freeze half for a rainy day. When you're in need of a comforting meal, just pop it in the oven, and you'll have a satisfying dinner that tastes just as good as when it was first made. It's a fantastic way to save time while still enjoying homemade cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Cheeseburger Casserole:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or similar)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: pickles, diced tomatoes, lettuce

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start preparing the casserole!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cheeseburger Casserole:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.

Combine Ingredients

Add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with shredded cheddar cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Add optional toppings if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Cheeseburger Casserole!

Nutritional Benefits

This cheeseburger casserole provides a balanced meal option that includes protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. The ground beef offers a hearty dose of protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair. The addition of vegetables like onions and optional toppings such as lettuce and tomatoes not only enhances flavor but also adds important nutrients and fiber to your meal.

If you're looking to make this dish even healthier, consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey as a substitute. This will reduce the overall fat content while still providing the savory taste you love. Furthermore, opting for whole grain pasta can increase the fiber content, making this casserole a more nutritious choice for your family.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this cheeseburger casserole, the options are endless. Consider pairing it with a fresh side salad to enhance the meal's nutritional value and add a refreshing crunch. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.

Another great option is to serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. This will allow everyone to scoop up the cheesy goodness and enjoy every bite. For those who love a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top before serving.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Classic cheeseburger toppings like pickles, lettuce, and diced tomatoes work great. You can also add mustard or ketchup on top.

Cheeseburger Casserole

A comforting and hearty dish that brings together the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a convenient casserole form.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 medium onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 cup uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or similar)
  5. 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  6. 1 cup beef broth
  7. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  8. 2 tablespoons ketchup
  9. 1 tablespoon mustard
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Optional toppings: pickles, diced tomatoes, lettuce

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.

Step 02

Add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 03

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with shredded cheddar cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 04

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Add optional toppings if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 21g