If you love the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want something even more satisfying and easy to prepare, then Cheeseburger Casserole is the answer. This dish takes all the best elements of a cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a creamy, tangy sauce—and transforms them into a one-pan, oven-baked meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
With tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and plenty of bold flavors, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that delivers on both taste and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a warm, hearty dish that reminds you of a juicy cheeseburger, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Why Cheeseburger Casserole is a Must-Try Dish
1. All the Flavor of a Cheeseburger in a One-Pan Meal
Traditional cheeseburgers require grilling, assembling, and lots of hands-on work, but this casserole delivers all the flavors with minimal effort. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats each bite of pasta, making it a comforting, hearty dish that’s even better as leftovers.
2. A Perfect Balance of Creamy, Savory, and Cheesy
What sets this casserole apart is its layered flavors and textures. The seasoned beef provides a rich, meaty base, the cheese sauce adds creaminess, and the cheddar and Monterey Jack topping create a crispy, golden layer that makes every bite irresistible.
3. Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
If you have picky eaters at home, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s a kid-friendly meal that has the familiar, comforting flavors of a cheeseburger but in a fun, pasta-based format.
4. Quick and Easy to Make
Unlike recipes that require a long prep time, this casserole comes together in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it when needed.
5. A Great Meal Prep or Freezer-Friendly Dish
This casserole stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later. Whether you’re cooking for the whole week or saving portions for another day, it’s a great go-to recipe for busy schedules.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (about 6 cups)
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
For the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons butter
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup tomato puree
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Cook the Pasta – Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Brown the Beef – Cook ground beef with oregano, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin in a skillet. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add butter, onions, garlic, and tomato puree to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
- Combine with Pasta – Stir in pasta, heavy cream, chicken stock, parsley, and basil.
- Add Cheese – Mix in 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack and 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted.
- Assemble the Casserole – Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake the Casserole – Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve – Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
How to Elevate Your Cheeseburger Casserole
While this dish is already packed with cheesy, beefy goodness, there are a few ways to customize it to make it even better.
1. Swap the Cheese for More Bold Flavors
While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, you can experiment with:
- Smoked Gouda for a deeper, smoky flavor
- Pepper Jack for a bit of spice
- Mozzarella for extra gooeyness
2. Add a Crunchy Topping
If you love a little crunch, try sprinkling the casserole with:
- Toasted breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
- Crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery finish
- Crumbled bacon for extra texture and flavor
3. Incorporate More Vegetables
Want to add some extra nutrients without compromising on taste? Try mixing in:
- Diced bell peppers for a little sweetness
- Spinach or zucchini for an added health boost
- Mushrooms for an umami-rich depth
4. Spice It Up
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding:
- Red pepper flakes for a mild kick
- Diced jalapeños for a Tex-Mex twist
- A splash of hot sauce for extra heat
5. Make It a Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
For a smokier, richer flavor, add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture. This will give it that classic bacon cheeseburger taste in every bite.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole
This dish is already a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and condiments can elevate the experience even further.
1. Classic Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for scooping up all the creamy sauce.
- French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – For the ultimate cheeseburger experience.
- Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.
2. Fun Serving Ideas
- Taco-Style – Spoon the casserole into tortilla shells for a cheeseburger taco twist.
- Stuffed Peppers – Fill bell peppers with the casserole mix and bake.
- Sliders – Scoop servings onto mini toasted buns for a cheeseburger slider experience.
3. The Best Toppings for Extra Flavor
- Pickles – Adds tangy acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Ketchup & Mustard Drizzle – Brings out the classic cheeseburger flavors.
- Sliced Tomatoes – Adds freshness and balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before putting it in the oven.
2. Can I Freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?
Absolutely! Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
3. What’s the Best Pasta to Use?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use:
- Rotini – Holds sauce well
- Penne – Sturdy and great for layering
- Shells – Catch all the cheesy goodness
4. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until warm.
5. Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
Yes! Some simple swaps include:
- Using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Substituting Greek yogurt for heavy cream.
- Using whole wheat or protein pasta for extra fiber.
6. What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
To make this even more protein-packed, you can:
- Add chopped cooked bacon.
- Stir in black beans or lentils.
- Use extra-lean ground beef for more protein without extra fat.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Cheeseburger-Inspired Comfort Dish
Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect fusion of a classic cheeseburger and a baked pasta dish, combining bold, savory flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and highly customizable, making it a great addition to your weeknight meal rotation.
With its hearty texture, melty cheese, and comforting taste, this casserole is a dish that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven, prepping it for later, or getting creative with toppings and sides, it’s a versatile meal that never disappoints.
So next time you’re craving a cheeseburger but want something even more satisfying, try this Cheeseburger Casserole—a warm, hearty, and completely delicious take on a beloved classic!
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Quick and Cozy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Imagine the savory flavors of a cheeseburger baked into a rich, creamy pasta casserole. This Cheeseburger Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and layers of gooey cheese to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers hearty, satisfying goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (about 6 cups)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80:20 preferred)
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
For the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup tomato puree
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). - Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 quarts of water.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 9–11 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and season with oregano, sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain any excess grease if desired.
- Sauté Aromatics and Add Tomato Puree:
- Add butter to the skillet, followed by the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another minute.
- Combine Pasta and Beef:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring until a creamy sauce forms.
- Add parsley and basil for a burst of flavor.
- Incorporate Cheese:
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish (no need to grease).
- Top with the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. For a creamier texture, serve immediately.
Notes
- Custom Cheese Options: Swap Monterey Jack or cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or Colby Jack for a unique twist.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
