Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you love cheeseburgers but want the ease of a one-dish meal, this Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect solution! It brings all the best elements of a cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta—into a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s easy to prepare. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you're craving something hearty and satisfying.

Let’s jump into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some great variations to help you customize this recipe to your taste!

What is Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious, one-pan dish that combines ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Imagine the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in casserole form: beefy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting. This dish is often topped with melted cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, making it an irresistible dinner option for both kids and adults.

It’s also versatile—you can add vegetables, change the type of cheese, or use different seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something fun for a casual gathering, Cheeseburger Casserole is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cheeseburger Casserole:

For the Casserole:

1. 1 ½ pounds ground beef – You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
2. 1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor and depth.
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced – For that classic savory aroma.
4. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Undrained, for added texture and flavor.
5. 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – The base for the sauce.
6. 1 tablespoon tomato paste – To thicken and intensify the tomato flavor.
7. 2 tablespoons ketchup – Adds a bit of sweetness to the sauce.
8. 1 tablespoon yellow mustard – For that classic cheeseburger flavor.
9. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami to the beef.
10. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a smoky twist.
11. Salt and pepper – To taste.
12. 2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini) – Cooked al dente according to package instructions.

For the Topping:

1. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – You can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
2. Optional: sliced pickles, bacon bits, sesame seeds – For an authentic cheeseburger experience.

Substitutions and Variations

Cheeseburger Casserole is super flexible and can be adapted to your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some great ideas to customize the recipe:

• Meat Substitutions: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute to make a vegetarian version of this casserole.
• Pasta Alternatives: Use gluten-free pasta or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier version. You could also use low-carb pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
• Veggies Add-ins: Mix in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Low-carb Version: Skip the pasta and use cauliflower florets instead. You could also layer the casserole with sliced zucchini or use spaghetti squash as a base.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love spice, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the casserole for extra heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this easy and delicious Cheeseburger Casserole step by step:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onions to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Beef Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. For extra cheeseburger flavor, you can garnish with pickle slices, bacon bits, and even sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve hot!

How to Cook Cheeseburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the process:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente and set it aside.
2. Brown the ground beef, then sauté the onions and garlic.
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to make the sauce.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
6. Let it rest, garnish, and serve!

By following these steps, you’ll have a rich, cheesy, and satisfying Cheeseburger Casserole that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Cheeseburger Casserole:

1. Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) because it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.
2. Not draining the beef grease: Make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef after browning. Too much grease can make the casserole greasy and heavy.
3. Under-seasoning the beef: Cheeseburgers are all about bold flavors, so don’t be afraid to season generously with salt, pepper, and spices.
4. Skipping the resting time: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the flavors settle and make it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, no-fuss dish, but here are a few ways to elevate your presentation:

1. Top with garnishes: Add fun toppings like sliced pickles, crispy bacon bits, or even diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
2. Serve with condiments: Serve the casserole with small bowls of ketchup, mustard, or even ranch dressing for dipping.
3. Pair with a salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the casserole.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole

Here are some side dish ideas that go well with Cheeseburger Casserole:

• Simple green salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes is a great contrast to the rich casserole.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Serve with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to round out the meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a healthy side.
• French fries or tater tots: For a true burger experience, pair this casserole with crispy French fries or tater tots.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Casserole

Want to make your Cheeseburger Casserole stand out? Here are a few creative presentation ideas:

• Individual portions: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a more polished presentation.
• Skillet-style: Cook and bake the casserole in a large cast iron skillet for a rustic, homey feel.
• Layered casserole dish: Use a glass baking dish to showcase the cheesy layers of pasta and beef.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating leftovers: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the whole casserole with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor.

2. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the tomato sauce, are gluten-free.

3. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, Cheeseburger Casserole will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.

4. Can I add bacon to the casserole?
Definitely! Cook some bacon until crispy, chop it into small pieces, and mix it into the casserole before baking. Or, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of a baked pasta dish. With its savory beef, melty cheese, and hearty pasta, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is simple to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, and enjoy the cheesy, beefy goodness!

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