The Best Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner Magic

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole that’ll make dinner a breeze.

Ground beef sizzles with classic burger seasonings, creating a hearty meal that feels like a restaurant favorite.

Layers of melted cheese and crispy edges promise pure satisfaction.

Weeknight meals demand quick solutions, and this dish delivers big flavor without complicated techniques.

Cheesy, savory goodness comes together faster than traditional burgers, cutting down kitchen time dramatically.

Pantry staples transform into something magical, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Cheeseburger Casserole Is Always A Family Favorite

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whips up a delicious meal in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving comfort food fast.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults love this casserole's classic cheeseburger flavors packed into an easy-to-serve, one-dish wonder that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want a no-fuss, tasty dinner option.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples to create a hearty meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Cheeseburger Casserole Cooking Setup

• Ground Beef: The star protein that adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the casserole.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients that provide depth and enhance the meat's flavor profile.

• Macaroni Pasta: Classic pasta shape that creates a comforting, classic cheeseburger-inspired base.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Tangy and juicy components that add moisture and classic burger-like flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that gives the casserole its signature cheeseburger taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Mustard: Adds a classic burger-style tanginess and zesty kick to the casserole.

Cheeseburger Casserole Easy Walkthrough

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F, getting ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain the water completely, setting the pasta aside for the next exciting step.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

• Onions
• Garlic

Sizzle and stir until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown, releasing those irresistible aromas.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Mustard
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance together.

Step 5: Combine and Transfer

Mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, ensuring every noodle gets coated in the delicious sauce.

Pour the entire mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt and turn golden, creating a crispy, bubbly top.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a moment.

Serve piping hot, and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Cheeseburger Casserole – What To Know Before Cooking

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles and added excitement.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease while maintaining delicious burger-like taste.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture without compromising the classic comfort food feel.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal planning easier and saving precious time.
• Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing the hearty, satisfying essence of the dish.

Cheeseburger Casserole: Save & Warm Up Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.
• Sprinkle additional cheese on top, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain casserole's creamy texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Cheeseburger Casserole Side Plates

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Fresh, crisp coleslaw cuts through the rich, meaty casserole with its zesty vinegar-based dressing, balancing the heavy flavors and adding a refreshing crunch.
• Complement with Crisp Lager Beer: A cold, light lager beer provides a clean, hoppy contrast to the hearty casserole, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Dill Pickle Spears: Tart, briny pickle spears offer a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the creamy cheese and savory beef, bringing a classic burger-style accompaniment to the dish.
• Serve with Creamy Ranch Dressing: Drizzle cool, herby ranch dressing over the casserole to add a smooth, tangy layer that echoes traditional cheeseburger condiments and elevates the comfort food appeal.

Cheeseburger Casserole Fun New Takes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap macaroni for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, keeping the cheesy, comforting essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and nutritional yeast to create a similar melty, cheesy topping for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply cook it the same way as ground beef and follow the remaining steps.

• How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love the cheesy, meaty flavor of this casserole. It’s a great way to get children to eat a balanced meal that combines protein, carbs, and cheese in one delicious dish.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets classic American cheeseburger casserole in this hearty one-pan wonder that brings diner nostalgia straight to your dinner table. Layered with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a crispy top, this dish promises a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Dairy and Pasta:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups macaroni pasta

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to create a warm culinary environment at 375°F for optimal baking results.
2. Prepare macaroni in boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
3. Select a spacious skillet and brown ground beef alongside finely chopped onions and minced garlic, ensuring meat is fully cooked and vegetables are translucent.
4. Enhance the meat mixture by introducing tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tangy mustard, and seasonings, allowing flavors to meld during a gentle 10-minute simmer.
5. Carefully blend the cooked pasta with the robust beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the dish.
6. Transfer the combined mixture into a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown for the casserole.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and appetizing golden-brown cheese topping.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving the hearty, flavor-packed cheeseburger casserole to eager diners.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier versions of the casserole.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Add crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking to create a delightful crunchy layer that complements the creamy casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg