Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a comfort food mashup that hits all the right notes — cheesy, meaty, and downright delicious — then you’re going to adore this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines classic cheeseburger flavors with a cozy casserole that’s perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to replicate that classic cheeseburger taste in an easy, cheesy casserole. Each element plays its part, from the seasoned ground beef to the creamy cheese blend.

• Dried elbow macaroni: Choose good-quality pasta that cooks evenly; it’s the cozy base of this casserole.
• Ground beef: I like using 80:20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
• Oregano, sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin: These spices give the beef that signature, bold cheeseburger flavor you want.
• Butter: Adds richness to your onion and garlic sauté, boosting depth of flavor.
• Yellow onion: I prefer yellow for its sweetness when cooked down.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for that aromatic kick.
• Tomato puree: Offers the perfect subtle tang and color reminiscent of a ketchup base.
• Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that holds the casserole together.
• Chicken stock: Adds extra savoriness and a bit of moisture without watering down flavors.
• Dried parsley and basil: For an herby background flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
• Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese: This combo gives you melty, gooey texture and that sharp cheddar bite I love.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is — it’s a fun starting point that invites you to make it your own. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to fit your diet or what you’ve got in the pantry.

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. I did this once for a friend and nobody missed the meat!
• Heat it up: Toss in diced jalapeños or sprinkle some cayenne for a spicy kick—works great if you like a little bite.
• Cheese choices: Try mozzarella or pepper jack instead of Monterey Jack for different melty textures and flavors.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—seasoning the water like the sea really does make a difference here. When it’s boiling, add the dry elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for about 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll want the pasta mostly cooked through yet still a little firm to the bite because it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Don’t forget to stir a few times to keep the noodles from sticking together. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Spices

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Sprinkle in oregano, sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin—these spices are key for that cheeseburger flavor punch. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink, around 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells rich and is starting to caramelize slightly.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Butter, Onion, and Garlic

Add the butter to the skillet with the browned beef, then toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Stir everything until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Right after that, stir in the tomato puree to give that subtle tomatoey backdrop to the dish, mixing everything well.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Cream, Stock, Herbs, and Cheese

Mix the cooked pasta into your beef mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring to incorporate all the creaminess. Sprinkle in dried parsley and basil for some fresh herbal notes, then fold in 1 1/2 cups of Monterey Jack and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until everything feels luxuriously combined. This is where the magic of gooey cheeseburger flavor happens!

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Transfer your mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish—no need to grease it—and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Pop it in the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to see that cheese on top bubbly and golden brown. That crisp, cheesy crust is one of my favorite parts!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

For a looser, creamier casserole, serve it right away. But if you prefer slices that hold shape nicely, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce thicken and flavors marry beautifully.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with some fresh chopped pickles or a sprinkle of finely diced red onion for that classic cheeseburger crunch and tang. A drizzle of ketchup or mustard on the side is always a winner too—makes it feel even more like a burger night!

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go simple: a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans balance out the richness. Occasionally, I serve with crispy oven-baked fries or a light coleslaw to keep the meal well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a family gathering, I served this Cheeseburger Casserole in individual ramekins and topped each with a tiny sesame seed bun half and a mini pickle slice—everyone thought it was so fun and festive. It’s a great way to elevate this casual dish for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. I’ve found that leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! Just portion it into airtight containers before baking or after cooling if you’ve already baked it. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. When I make a double batch, freezing halves is a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (usually 15–20 minutes). Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture a bit less creamy. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning or drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it blends the nostalgia of a juicy cheeseburger with the comfort of a baked pasta dish. It’s helped me feed hungry families and impress even picky eaters with its cheesy, savory goodness. Seriously, give this a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you return to again and again, whether for weeknights, potlucks, or just because you want a little extra comfort on your plate.

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