Cheeseburger Casserole is everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger wrapped up in a cozy, bubbly, baked pasta dish that absolutely delivers on comfort and flavor. With tender elbow macaroni, gooey cheddar cheese, and a savory beef mixture starring tangy ketchup and mustard, every bite is both nostalgic and irresistibly satisfying. If you’re after a crowd-pleasing dinner that brings smiles around the table with minimal fuss, this is the weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple — just classic, straightforward ingredients coming together for big, bold flavor. Each element is carefully chosen to recreate that iconic cheeseburger taste, while adding richness and heartiness to the casserole.
- Ground beef: The mainstay protein, bringing juicy flavor and satisfying bite to every forkful.
- Onion: Diced small, the onion adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brightens and deepens the savory notes in the casserole.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the luscious base, keeping everything moist and lending that classic diner taste.
- Ketchup: Adds just the right pop of sweet tang that makes a cheeseburger so craveable.
- Yellow mustard: Brings zippy, nostalgic burger-shop flavor to the whole dish.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes each ingredient shine.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balances the richness.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni: The pasta delivers structure, heart, and a little chew in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and perfectly gooey — the real star for cheesiness!
- Milk: Helps bind all the cheesy, beefy goodness together for a creamy finish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it keeps the beef extra juicy and flavorful.
- Chopped pickles or parsley (optional): For a fresh, crunchy, or herbaceous finish — totally up to you!
How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You’ll want it richly browned — this step seals in those incredible flavors and gives the casserole its satisfying, meaty base.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
After the beef is almost cooked through, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion is soft and fragrant. This duo builds a base of sweet and savory aromas, making every bite sing.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken a bit while all those bold cheeseburger flavors mingle and intensify.
Step 4: Boil the Macaroni
Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni in a big pot of boiling, salted water. The key is to go just until al dente — about a minute less than the package suggests — so the pasta holds up in the oven. Drain well and return the macaroni to the pot.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the drained pasta. Add in one cup of shredded cheddar and the milk, then give it all a good stir so every noodle gets coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and even out the top.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the casserole’s surface. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges. The anticipation is real!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, shower your Cheeseburger Casserole with chopped pickles or fresh parsley for color and a burst of crunch and flavor. Serve warm, and watch it vanish from the table!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole
Garnishes
Pile on the fun with toppings like chopped dill pickles, fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a scatter of crispy bacon bits. These little additions brighten up your Cheeseburger Casserole both in taste and appearance, and they invite everyone to customize their plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a touch of freshness. Think simple — a batch of oven fries or a platter of sliced tomatoes drizzled with a little olive oil complements the richness and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to mix up the routine, serve Cheeseburger Casserole in individual ramekins for a fun twist, or cut into squares for easy party bites. You could even offer classic burger condiments on the side — small bowls of extra pickles, mustard, or spicy ketchup let everyone have it their way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover Cheeseburger Casserole tightly with foil or place in airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great candidate for meal prep or easy next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep fresh for up to 2 months. When you need a comforting meal in a hurry, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the casserole with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it looks a little dry, stir in a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, small shells, penne, or rotini work beautifully too. Just keep the pasta bite-sized and cook it al dente, so it stands up well to the hearty sauce and baking.
What’s the best way to add vegetables to this casserole?
Sneak in extra nutrition by stirring in finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby spinach along with the onions and garlic. They’ll cook down nicely and blend right into the beefy sauce.
Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate it. Simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few more minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Is there a way to make this Cheeseburger Casserole lighter?
Definitely. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use low-fat cheese, and add extra veggies for a lighter but still delicious take. You won’t sacrifice any of the comforting flavors!
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole will be bubbling around the edges, with a melted, golden-cheesy topping. If you love those crispy cheese bits, pop it under the broiler for an extra minute at the end, keeping a close eye on it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate mashup of family-friendly and wildly delicious, Cheeseburger Casserole is an absolute must-try. It’s warm, melty, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a sought-after dinner in your home. Give it a whirl and let this easy, hearty dish bring a little cheeseburger joy to your table!
Print
Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole recipe is a delicious twist on a classic cheeseburger, combining all the flavors you love in an easy-to-make casserole dish. With seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this hearty dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped pickles or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook macaroni until al dente, then combine with beef mixture, 1 cup of cheese, and milk.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with pickles or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon or swap cheddar for a cheese blend for variation.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
