Easy Cheesy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of savory ground beef blend seamlessly with melted cheese and crispy edges.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your plate, reminiscent of backyard barbecues and lazy weekend meals.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with minimal preparation required.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will devour.

Hearty and filling, this casserole delivers all the classic burger goodness without standing over a hot grill.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this recipe becomes a household favorite.

Cheeseburger Casserole – All the Comforts

• Conquer Weeknight Dinner Stress: This casserole rescues busy families with its simple, one-dish approach that packs nutrition and flavor into a single comforting meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli, or different cheese types to match your pantry and preferences without sacrificing taste.
• Pack Nutritional Power: Combines lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and filling rice for a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy texture and cheesy topping make this dish appealing to children while sneaking in vegetables they might normally avoid.

Everything for Cheeseburger Casserole Success

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides the classic cheeseburger flavor and hearty texture.
• Macaroni: Pasta that serves as the foundation of this comfort food casserole and adds a satisfying carbohydrate element.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and delivers a classic cheeseburger taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides an extra layer of gooey, stretchy cheese topping.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy base that mimics classic burger sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, umami depth to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Pickles: Optional garnish that adds a classic cheeseburger-style tangy crunch.

Cheeseburger Casserole Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some comfort food magic.

Step 2: Tame the Pasta

Boil the macaroni until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set it aside like a culinary rockstar.

Step 3: Brown the Meaty Goodness

Grab a large skillet and transform your ground beef into a sizzling masterpiece with onions and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the beef turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and mingle for 5 delicious minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Delights

Toss the cooked macaroni into the skillet and give everything a loving stir until well combined.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the meaty pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Cheese Blanket

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top like a warm, gooey blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly, irresistible goodness.

Step 9: Final Touches

If you’re feeling extra, top with some mozzarella cheese and sprinkle chopped pickles for a burst of tangy flavor. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Handy Tips for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Select lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version with less fat content.
• Enhance flavor by adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for extra kick.
• Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat macaroni for increased fiber and nutritional value.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique taste variations.

New Flavors for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Chili Cheeseburger Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and kidney beans to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mexican Cheeseburger Casserole: Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a southwestern flair.
• Ranch Cheeseburger Casserole: Stir in ranch seasoning mix and top with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Cheeseburger Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, diced olives, and oregano for a Greek-inspired version.

Serving Up Cheeseburger Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Family Dinner
• Perfect weeknight meal that transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a comforting casserole. Families will love the hearty beef and cheesy macaroni combination that feels like a restaurant-style dish made at home.
• Game Night Showstopper
• Serve this casserole during sports events or movie nights as a crowd-friendly dish. Top with extra crispy pickles and a dollop of tangy mustard for an elevated cheeseburger experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• Potluck Party Hero
• Transport this casserole easily to gatherings and watch friends devour every cheesy bite. Prepare ahead of time and reheat, making it a stress-free contribution to community meals or neighborhood potlucks. Pack in a sturdy carrier with a lid for mess-free traveling.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation

Storing Cheeseburger Casserole for Later

• Store leftover cheeseburger casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Cover with foil to maintain tenderness and prevent cheese from burning.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to beef in this casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy pasta and familiar burger flavors make it a hit with children and adults alike.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and color.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Midwestern cheeseburger casserole delivers comfort through classic hamburger flavors baked into a hearty pasta dish. Ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta combine for a satisfying meal home cooks and families will savor together.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped pickles (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Prepare macaroni following package guidelines, ensuring a tender yet firm texture; drain thoroughly.
3. Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until meat browns completely; eliminate excess grease.
4. Incorporate tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture; allow flavors to meld by simmering for 5 minutes.
5. Gently fold cooked macaroni into the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the combined meat and pasta mixture.
7. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface, creating a uniform layer.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling appearance.
9. Optional: Enhance presentation by sprinkling mozzarella cheese and scattering chopped pickles on top before serving immediately.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.
• Customize cheese selection by mixing different types like monterey jack or pepper jack for a unique taste profile.
• Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation easier.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg