Craving all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a cozy, cheesy, oven-baked form? This Cheeseburger Casserole delivers just that! It’s a family-friendly favorite packed with ground beef, melty cheese, pasta, and savory seasonings—all baked into one bubbling, golden dish. It’s comforting, easy to make, and always a hit at the dinner table.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Cheeseburger Flavor – Without the grill
One-Pan Wonder – Minimal prep, maximum comfort
Kid-Friendly – Simple ingredients, bold flavor
Cheesy & Satisfying – Loads of melted cheese in every bite
Make-Ahead Magic – Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or beef blend)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp ketchup
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional)
2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Fresh parsley or chopped pickles for garnish (optional)
Olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula or wooden spoon
Pot to boil pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and milk to the meat mixture. Stir to combine.
Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and stir until melted into the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta and beef sauce.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or pickles if you like that classic burger vibe.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
Use Lean Ground Beef – Less grease, more flavor
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly al dente is best before baking
Add Pickle Juice – A splash adds zing to the meat mixture
Make It Spicy – Toss in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick
Use Different Cheeses – Monterey Jack or American-style cheese blend works great
Serving Suggestions
With a side salad or coleslaw
Garlic bread or cornbread on the side
Topped with crispy bacon or fried onions
With a dill pickle spear and your favorite burger sauce
How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through
To freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it low-carb?
Yes! Use cooked cauliflower florets or low-carb pasta alternatives.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Definitely. Assemble it fully and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Can I use other meats?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work well.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Casserole takes everything you love about burgers and transforms it into a cheesy, baked comfort food masterpiece. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Try it tonight and serve up smiles around the table!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 6):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 550mg
Cheeseburger Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Craving all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a cozy, cheesy, oven-baked form? This Cheeseburger Casserole delivers just that! It’s a family-friendly favorite packed with ground beef, melty cheese, pasta, and savory seasonings—all baked into one bubbling, golden dish. It’s comforting, easy to make, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Want more hearty casseroles everyone will love? Subscribe now and get comfort food classics straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or beef blend)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp ketchup
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional)
2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Fresh parsley or chopped pickles for garnish (optional)
Olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and milk to the meat mixture. Stir to combine.
Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and stir until melted into the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta and beef sauce.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or pickles if you like that classic burger vibe.
Notes
Use Lean Ground Beef – Less grease, more flavor
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly al dente is best before baking
Add Pickle Juice – A splash adds zing to the meat mixture
Make It Spicy – Toss in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick
Use Different Cheeses – Monterey Jack or American-style cheese blend works great
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
