Sizzling Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite in a Dish

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Layers of savory ground beef meld perfectly with melted cheese and crispy pasta edges.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that pack serious flavor.

Hearty ingredients come together in less than an hour, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will devour.

Packed with familiar burger tastes, this casserole brings restaurant-style indulgence straight to your kitchen table.

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

You won’t be able to resist serving seconds of this crowd-pleasing comfort classic.

Cheeseburger Casserole Flavor Essentials

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Transform classic cheeseburger flavors into a hearty casserole that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine ground beef, pasta, and cheese in one dish, reducing prep time and minimizing kitchen cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra cheese, different seasonings, or topping with crispy bacon bits to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Create a delicious meal that appeals to both children and adults, packed with familiar flavors and satisfying textures.

Cheeseburger Casserole Key Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the cheeseburger casserole and provides rich flavor.
• Pasta: Creates the comforting base of the casserole and helps bind the dish together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp flavor and creates a golden, melted topping.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide moisture and tangy tomato flavor to the casserole.
• Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Contribute classic cheeseburger-style seasoning and depth of taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Offer a foundational savory base and aromatic background to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh touch of color and brightness.

How to Prepare Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C) and lovingly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

Break up the meat and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Build Rich Flavor Layers

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture.

Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 7: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes.

Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips for Cheeseburger Casserole Success

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding extra seasonings like smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy more kick.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to make cooking faster and more efficient, especially when cooking for a busy family meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating thoroughly before serving to maintain food safety.

Flavorful Variations for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Veggie Burger Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap pasta with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Best Pairings with Cheeseburger Casserole

• Picnic Perfect Portable Meal: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for a delightful outdoor lunch that transports easily and tastes amazing cold or reheated.
• Family Taco Night Twist: Transform the casserole by topping with crushed tortilla chips, adding diced jalapeños, and serving with sour cream for a Mexican-inspired variation.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some nutritional variety to the hearty main dish.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Reheat and stuff into flour tortillas for incredible cheeseburger wraps that breathe new life into the next day's meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor and nutritional profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love the familiar cheeseburger taste, and the casserole format makes it easy to serve and eat.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Just add 510 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheeseburger casserole delivers comfort food magic straight from midwestern kitchens. Ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots combine for a satisfying meal that will make families gather eagerly around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (170 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook thoroughly until meat browns and crumbles evenly.
4. Drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture, then incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring thorough and even distribution.
7. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a complete cheese coverage.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to stabilize and cool slightly.
11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and subtle herbal notes before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg