Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger to the table? This Cheeseburger Casserole is a must-try! It’s an easy, one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a savory tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving comfort food, this casserole is a surefire way to please both kids and adults alike. Keep reading to learn the full recipe, including helpful tips and delicious variations!

What is a Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious, baked dish that brings together the flavors of a cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, tomatoes, and condiments—combined with pasta or rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's essentially a deconstructed cheeseburger in casserole form, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for feeding a family or bringing to potlucks. The casserole is often topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this comforting dish!

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, beefy casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

These simple ingredients come together to create a casserole that’s bursting with cheeseburger flavor. Now let’s look at some ideas for customizing the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is easy to customize to fit your dietary preferences or to use what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Ground beef substitute: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground sausage for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for plant-based ground crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
• Cheese options: Cheddar is classic for a cheeseburger flavor, but you can use any melty cheese like American, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack if you want some spice.
• Pasta alternatives: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but feel free to use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even shells. You can also swap the pasta for cooked rice or a lower-carb option like cauliflower rice.
• Add veggies: Make the casserole more nutritious by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even frozen peas. Simply stir them in with the beef mixture before baking.
• Bacon cheeseburger twist: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the casserole for a bacon cheeseburger vibe.

Now that you know how to tweak the recipe, let’s move on to the cooking instructions.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Cheeseburger Casserole from scratch.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Add the Tomato Base and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Combine the Beef and Pasta

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix until the pasta is well-coated with the beef and tomato mixture.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using) over the top.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. If you like a crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color, if desired.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente and drain.
3. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
4. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
5. Add tomatoes, sauce, and seasonings to the beef mixture and simmer.
6. Combine the pasta with the beef mixture and mix well.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish and serve with fresh herbs or green onions.

Now let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your casserole comes out perfect every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly in the oven, so you don’t want it to be mushy.
• Not draining the beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat from the beef after browning. Too much grease can make the casserole oily.
• Forgetting to season the beef mixture: Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings before baking. The beef and tomato mixture should be flavorful enough on its own.
• Underbaking the casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. You want the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly, but don’t let it overcook and dry out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Cheeseburger Casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are a few side ideas and presentation tips to make the meal complete.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole

• Pair it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
• Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or bowls for a more personalized, elegant presentation.
• Drizzle some ketchup or mustard on top for a fun, cheeseburger-like effect!

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezer-friendly: To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The casserole will still have plenty of flavor.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your condiments (like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free.

How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until hot.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini would be great additions to the casserole. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding to the beef mixture.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger in casserole form. With ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta baked in a savory tomato sauce, it’s a surefire hit for both kids and adults. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is versatile, customizable, and perfect for busy nights. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite!

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