Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, let me introduce you to this fan-freaking-tastic Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and cozy pasta—all baked into one satisfying dish. I absolutely love how it’s a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up on any weeknight.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe, I like to keep things straightforward with trusted pantry staples and fresh cheese shredded from the block for maximum melty goodness. Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients – they all play a part in making this dish flavorful and cozy.

• Water: Used to dissolve beef bouillon cubes which add rich, meaty depth without extra broth.
• Beef bouillon cubes: They’re a secret ingredient that pumps up the beefy flavor in the casserole’s sauce.
• Lean hamburger (92%): Using lean beef keeps this dish hearty but not greasy.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down until soft and translucent.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
• Minced garlic: For that signature savory punch.
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder: A blend of spices that brings warmth with just a hint of kick.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and tanginess—the little extra that makes a big difference.
• Tomato paste & diced tomatoes: Give the sauce body and a fresh tomato flavor with a nice texture.
• Dried large elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up the sauce and hold those cheeseburger flavors.
• Sour cream & whole milk: These ingredients bring creaminess and richness to the casserole.
• Mozzarella and mild cheddar cheese (freshly shredded): I always shred my cheese myself—pre-shredded just doesn’t melt the same.

Variations

I’m all about making this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe your own. Over the years, I’ve played around with add-ins and tweaks depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand. Feel free to customize and make it fit your cravings perfectly.

• Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when I sauté the onions for an extra layer of nutrition and texture.
• Spicy kick: If you love heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños – my family goes crazy for that twist.
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile—you’d be surprised how good it turns out!
• Make it gluten-free: Swap macaroni for gluten-free pasta to keep all the flavor without the wheat.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Broth

Start by combining 2 cups of water with 3 beef bouillon cubes in a bowl and microwaving it for 4 to 5 minutes until everything dissolves. Trust me, this broth packs a big punch of beefy flavor that will carry through the casserole. I learned this trick early on, and it makes all the difference compared to just using water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

In your largest pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the grease to keep the dish from getting greasy, then add the chopped onion, salt, black pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Lower the heat to medium and cook until those onions are soft and translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma and builds that crave-worthy base flavor.

Step 3: Stir in Sauces and Pasta

Next, add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes (including the juices) to your beef mixture. Stir it all up, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni and your homemade beef broth. The broth will cook the pasta right in the sauce, which is such a time saver and means fewer dishes to clean!

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Tender

Cover your pan and let everything simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Then uncover, give it a stir, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes—or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stirring halfway through ensures nothing sticks and the flavors meld nicely.

Step 5: Add Creaminess and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream and milk to bring that rich, creamy texture we all love. Then it’s time to build your casserole: pour half of the beef-and-pasta mixture into a 9×13 glass baking dish, sprinkle half the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top, then layer the remaining beef mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese. This layering guarantees cheesy pockets in every bite!

Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection

Bake uncovered at 400°F for 10 minutes or until the edges bubble and the cheese on top melts to golden, gooey perfection. I love how the crispy edges develop—it’s one of my favorite parts of this cheesecake casserole recipe.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness—it brightens this rich casserole perfectly. Sometimes, a dollop of ketchup or a drizzle of mustard on the side really brings out that classic cheeseburger vibe.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep things simple and fresh to balance the casserole’s richness. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli pairs really well, adding crunch and a little brightness to the meal. You could also serve some sweet potato fries or classic French fries if you want to lean fully into the burger theme.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly. It makes for a fun, personalized presentation that feels extra cozy and thoughtful—plus, everyone loves their own cheesy little pot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight—sometimes even better than fresh! Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I usually assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge then bake as directed. This way, it tastes just as fresh, which is perfect for busy weeks or meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it up at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil in the last five minutes helps refresh that bubbly cheese topping. If you’re reheating a single portion, the microwave works well but the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe has become a go-to comfort meal that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why simple ingredients cooked with love create the best memories around the table. I’m excited for you to try it out—trust me, once you do, it’ll quickly become a favorite for your family, too. So grab your skillet, shred that cheese, and let’s get cooking!

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