Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Love cheeseburgers but don’t have time to fire up the grill? This Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect solution! It combines all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and savory toppings—into a quick and easy casserole. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or when you’re craving a comforting meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide, tips for ingredient variations, and ideas for serving and garnishing this tasty casserole.

this Recipe

---

What Is a Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, baked dish that includes seasoned ground beef, cheese, pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all combined to replicate the flavors of a cheeseburger. It’s essentially a deconstructed cheeseburger layered into a casserole dish and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect for busy families, picky eaters, and anyone who loves cheeseburgers but wants a more convenient, make-ahead option.

---

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cheeseburger Casserole:

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner version)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon works well)
• 2 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Casserole:

• 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or shells work well)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend, like cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Diced pickles
• Shredded lettuce (to add after baking)
• Diced tomatoes (to add after baking)
• Extra ketchup or mustard for drizzling

---

Substitutions and Variations for Cheeseburger Casserole

There are many ways to customize this casserole to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

Protein Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner, lower-fat version.
• Plant-based option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu to make this casserole vegetarian.
• Bacon: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for a "bacon cheeseburger" twist.

Cheese Variations:

• Cheddar and beyond: While cheddar is the go-to for cheeseburgers, you can mix things up by using Swiss, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a little heat.
• Vegan cheese: Use a plant-based cheese alternative to make this casserole dairy-free.

Sauce Variations:

• Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat.
• BBQ twist: Substitute ketchup with BBQ sauce to give the casserole a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Healthier option: Use reduced-sodium tomato sauce and lean ground meat to cut back on salt and fat.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cheeseburger Casserole

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make a delicious Cheeseburger Casserole in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Sauté the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onions and garlic: Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheeseburger Sauce

1. Add the tomato ingredients: To the skillet, add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
2. Flavor the sauce: Stir in the mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Mix the pasta and beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
2. Layer the casserole: Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
3. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using) evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with diced pickles, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes for that true cheeseburger experience. Serve hot and enjoy!

---

How to Cook Cheeseburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap to guide you through the process of making Cheeseburger Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic.
3. Prepare the cheeseburger sauce by adding tomato ingredients and seasonings to the beef.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce, then layer in a casserole dish.
5. Top with cheese and bake, covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Garnish and serve with your favorite burger toppings!

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become too soft in the casserole.
2. Forgetting to drain the beef: Skipping this step can lead to a greasy casserole. Drain the fat after browning the beef for a cleaner dish.
3. Under-seasoning the sauce: Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasonings as needed. Since pasta can absorb a lot of flavor, you want to make sure the sauce is well seasoned.
4. Not letting it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips for Cheeseburger Casserole

This dish is hearty and comforting, but you can make it even more special with the right sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole:

• Family-style: Bring the casserole dish straight to the table and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual portions: Use a large spoon or spatula to serve generous portions onto individual plates.

Suggested Sides:

• French fries or tater tots: Pair the casserole with classic burger sides like crispy fries or tater tots.
• Green salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a nice crunch and freshness to the meal.

Presentation Ideas:

• Garnish with burger toppings: Sprinkle diced pickles, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes on top for an authentic cheeseburger feel.
• Serve with condiments: Offer extra ketchup, mustard, or even BBQ sauce on the side for drizzling.
• Crispy toppings: For added texture, top the casserole with crushed potato chips, fried onions, or crispy bacon bits before baking.

---

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from a chilled casserole.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Customize the toppings: Get creative with your favorite burger toppings like sautéed onions, pickled jalapeños, or even avocado slices.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s been refrigerated.

Q: Can I freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q: What kind of cheese works best for Cheeseburger Casserole?
A: Cheddar is classic for cheeseburgers, but you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for added flavor.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas for added nutrition and flavor. You can sauté them with the beef mixture before adding them to the casserole.

---

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the best parts of a cheeseburger into a simple, baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. With its cheesy, savory flavors and customizable toppings, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of cheeseburgers in a whole new way!

Print