How to Make the Best Cheeseburger Casserole: A Comforting Classic

There’s something magical about a hearty, cheesy casserole bubbling in the oven. The way it fills your home with irresistible aromas and brings people together at the dinner table makes it truly special. Cheeseburger Casserole is one of those dishes—simple to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for feeding your family or a crowd.

This recipe takes the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Casserole

Think of everything you love about a cheeseburger: juicy beef, gooey cheese, savory seasonings, and satisfying pasta. Cheeseburger Casserole combines all those flavors in one easy-to-make dish. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Casserole

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients. This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create a dish packed with flavor.

Main Ingredients

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have everything ready:

• Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your seasonings.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Brown the Beef and Onion

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink and the onion turns translucent.

4. Add Flavor with Tomato Paste and Spices

1. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and the tomato paste darken slightly for richer flavor.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour the heavy cream and beef broth into the skillet with the beef mixture.
2. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
2. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

7. Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to your prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

8. Bake Until Golden

1. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
2. For an extra golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

9. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve warm.

Why Cheeseburger Casserole Works So Well

• One-Dish Wonder: It’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and cheese in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in casserole form.
• Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Choose the Right Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but you can also try Monterey Jack or Colby for a twist.
2. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better and prevents a mushy texture.
3. Customize the Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for extra depth.
4. Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap heavy cream for milk.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

This hearty casserole pairs well with light, refreshing sides:

• Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a medley of sautéed vegetables.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

FAQs About Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Of course! Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.

5. Is there a gluten-free option?

Swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta and check that all seasonings and ingredients, like broth, are gluten-free.

6. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Cheeseburger Casserole Tonight

Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. With its cheesy layers and hearty pasta, it’s a dish that brings people together and keeps them coming back for more.

Actionable Tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for busy nights when you need a quick, homemade meal.

Now it’s time to preheat your oven and get cooking! You’ll love how easy this recipe is, and your family will love every bite. 😊

How to Make the Best Cheeseburger Casserole: A Comforting Classic

Print Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings—into one hearty, comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this easy-to-make casserole is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

• Author: ating
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon sliced green onion (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
   • Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your seasonings.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions.
   • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Brown the Beef and Onion:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion.
   • Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink and the onion turns translucent.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and the tomato paste darken slightly for richer flavor.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • Pour the heavy cream and beef broth into the skillet with the beef mixture.
   • Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
   • Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to your prepared baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake Until Golden:
   • Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
   • For an extra golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Choose the Right Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Colby.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better and prevents a mushy texture.
• Customize Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for extra depth.
• Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap heavy cream for milk.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.