How to Make a Delicious Cheeseburger Casserole: A Simple Recipe

A cheeseburger casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a baked and shareable meal. This one-pan dinner is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this casserole is both comforting and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole

• Quick and easy to make – Ready in under an hour
• Great for meal prep – Perfect for leftovers and freezer-friendly
• Customizable – Adjust toppings and mix-ins to your preference
• Kid-friendly – A guaranteed hit for the whole family
• Classic flavors – Brings the taste of a cheeseburger into a convenient casserole form
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and gatherings

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup bread crumbs (optional for a crispy topping)
• ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional for garnish)
• ½ tsp onion powder (for extra depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (for a slight smoky taste)
• 1 tbsp ketchup (for a hint of sweetness)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni and stir until evenly coated.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until combined. Stir into shredded cheddar cheese and spread over the beef mixture.
6. Bake: Sprinkle bread crumbs on top if using. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped pickles before serving.

Quality Tools for This Recipe

• Large Skillet – For browning ground beef evenly
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Perfect for baking casseroles
• Cheese Grater – For freshly shredded cheddar
• Mixing Bowls – Useful for mixing ingredients with ease
• Silicone Spatula – Helps with even layering and spreading

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda for extra flavor.
• Make it low-carb by swapping pasta for cauliflower rice.
• Add bacon for a loaded cheeseburger casserole experience.
• Enhance with toppings: Try adding crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon for added texture.
• Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Make it healthier: Use ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Note: This information is an estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

FAQ

How to Make a Delicious Cheeseburger Casserole: A Simple Recipe

Recipe by Chef Walter

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

A warm, cheesy, and comforting Cheeseburger Casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, pasta, and gooey melted cheese. An easy-to-make dish that brings all the classic burger flavors in one delicious bite.

Ingredients

• – 1 lb ground beef

• – 1 small onion, diced

• – 2 cloves garlic, minced

• – 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

• – 1 cup tomato sauce

• – 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• – 1 tsp mustard

• – 1 tsp salt

• – ½ tsp black pepper

• – ½ tsp paprika

• – 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

• – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• – ½ cup milk

• – 2 tbsp butter

• – ½ cup bread crumbs (optional for a crispy topping)

• – ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional for garnish)

• – ½ tsp onion powder

• – ½ tsp garlic powder

• – ½ tsp smoked paprika

• – 1 tbsp ketchup

Directions

• Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
• Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni and stir until evenly coated.
• Assemble Casserole: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until combined. Stir into shredded cheddar cheese and spread over the beef mixture.
• Bake: Sprinkle bread crumbs on top if using. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped pickles before serving.

More Delicious Reads and Resources

Looking for more comfort food? Check out Homemade Brownie Baked Oatmeal: A Sweet Start to Your Day for a satisfying dessert.

Sweet and Healthy Enjoyment

And there you have it, a delicious, family-friendly Cheeseburger Casserole that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out, customize it to your taste, and enjoy every bite! For more exciting recipes, visit Fitorecipes.com. Happy cooking!