When the craving for something hearty, cheesy, and downright comforting hits, there’s nothing quite like a good casserole to save the day. And this Cheeseburger Casserole? It’s basically everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and that irresistible savory flavor—all wrapped up in a creamy, baked pasta dish. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast, forks ready.
I first made this on a weeknight when I had a pound of ground beef in the fridge, a pantry full of pasta, and not a lot of motivation to cook something complicated. You know those days when you just need something warm and filling that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? That’s how this casserole came to be a regular in our rotation. And let me tell you, it’s been a hit every single time.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals ahead of time, or just looking for the ultimate cheesy dish to curl up with, this casserole hits the spot. It’s rich, flavorful, and so easy to throw together. Plus, it’s packed with protein, comforting carbs, and lots of gooey cheese—what more could you ask for?
Let’s dive into this delicious, oven-baked goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
-
1 lb lean ground beef
-
1 medium onion, finely diced
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp ground black pepper
-
2 tsp minced garlic
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp chili powder
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
2 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
-
2 cups water
-
3 beef bouillon cubes
-
2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried
-
1 cup sour cream
-
¼ cup whole milk
-
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 tbsp dried parsley
STEP 1: Prepare the Bouillon Broth
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 cups of water and 3 beef bouillon cubes. Microwave for about 4 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the cubes are fully dissolved. This broth adds a deep, savory flavor that really ties the dish together.
STEP 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb of lean ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once there’s no more pink, drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the casserole from getting too heavy or oily.
STEP 3: Add Seasonings and Onion
To the same skillet, add the finely diced onion, along with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp chili powder. Sauté everything together for about 3–4 minutes, until the onions are soft and your kitchen smells amazing. This step builds that classic cheeseburger flavor base, and it’s where the magic really starts.
STEP 4: Mix in Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Now it’s time to stir in the 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and the entire can of petite diced tomatoes (don’t drain them—you want that juice in there). Give it all a good stir so the flavors can blend together. You’ll notice the mixture starts to look like a hearty meat sauce—perfect for marrying with pasta in the next step.
STEP 5: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Pour in the prepared bouillon broth and add the 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni directly into the skillet. Stir well, then cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is a game-changer—cooking the pasta right in the meat sauce means it soaks up all that beefy, tomato flavor.
Cheeseburger Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy & Oven-Baked to Perfection
Alright, now that we’ve got our pasta cooked in that rich, beefy sauce, it’s time to move on to the most comforting part of this Cheeseburger Casserole—the cheesy layering and baking. This is where the casserole really comes together and transforms into something special.
If you’re like me, this is the point where you get a little excited, because it means you’re just minutes away from digging into a warm, bubbling dish of goodness. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something hearty and homey, this next part seals the deal.
Let’s keep going!
STEP 6: Stir in the Creamy Ingredients
Once your pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup of sour cream and ¼ cup of whole milk. This step gives the dish that luscious, creamy texture that sets it apart from just any meat-and-pasta combo. Make sure everything is well mixed and coated—this isn’t the time to skimp on stirring!
Pro tip: The sour cream adds just a hint of tang, balancing out the richness from the beef and cheese. Don’t skip it—it really elevates the whole dish.
STEP 7: Start Layering the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spoon in half of the beef and pasta mixture. Spread it out evenly, and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella (¾ cup) and half of the shredded cheddar (¾ cup). This layering ensures that every bite is cheesy, not just the top.
STEP 8: Add the Final Layer
Now add the remaining beef and pasta mixture on top of the first layer, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. You’ll end up with a generous, bubbly cheese crust after it bakes—so satisfying!
STEP 9: Bake to Melted, Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish into your preheated 400°F oven, and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. If you like your cheese a little browned and crispy, leave it in for an extra couple of minutes—but keep an eye on it!
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. It adds a little pop of color and freshness, which is always nice against the rich, cheesy base.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this Cheeseburger Casserole is how well it works for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Here are a few quick tips:
-
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole completely up to the baking step. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
-
Freezing: You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When baking from frozen, allow extra time in the oven—closer to 45-50 minutes at 375°F.
-
Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully. Just warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes.
Tasty Variations to Try
This recipe is super flexible, which makes it even better for busy home cooks. Here are a few easy variations:
-
Add Bacon: Because, let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better. Stir in a half cup of cooked, crumbled bacon before layering.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a bit of heat.
-
Pickle Lover’s Twist: Chopped dill pickles stirred into the beef mix? It sounds odd, but it gives a little tangy nod to a real cheeseburger flavor. Try it if you’re feeling adventurous!
-
Crunchy Topping: For an extra texture boost, sprinkle crushed butter crackers, cornflakes, or crispy fried onions over the cheese layer before baking.
Cheeseburger Casserole: Hearty Flavor, Easy Prep, Family Favorite
You’ve browned the beef, cooked the pasta, stirred in that creamy sauce, and baked everything into melty, cheesy perfection. At this point, your Cheeseburger Casserole is ready to serve—and believe me, this is the kind of meal that disappears fast once it hits the table. But before you dig in, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions to help you get the best results every time you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Casserole
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While large elbow macaroni works great because it holds onto the sauce, other short pastas like rotini, penne, or shells also do the trick. Just aim for something with texture to catch all that cheesy goodness.
What if I don’t have beef bouillon cubes?
No worries—you can substitute with 2 cups of beef broth or stock. If using low-sodium broth, you may need to adjust the salt slightly to taste.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or even cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef bouillon. The flavor will be a bit different but still hearty and satisfying.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
How do I make this dish more kid-friendly?
This casserole is already pretty kid-approved, but you can make it even more so by skipping the chili powder and using just cheddar cheese if your little ones aren’t big fans of mozzarella. A little ketchup drizzle on top before baking can also add a cheeseburger-style twist that kids love.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, and it scales up really well. You can double everything and bake it in two 9×13-inch pans. Great for family gatherings, game day parties, or potlucks.
What can I serve with Cheeseburger Casserole?
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal.
Final Thoughts: A Comfort Food Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s something undeniably cozy about a hot, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven—especially one that channels the flavor of a juicy cheeseburger. This Cheeseburger Casserole hits that nostalgic spot with its rich, beefy sauce, creamy texture, and irresistible cheesy topping. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet satisfying enough to make for a crowd.
It also happens to be one of those recipes that encourages a little creativity. Whether you stick to the original or experiment with add-ins like bacon, spicy seasonings, or even pickles (yes, really!), it’s hard to go wrong.
So the next time you’re staring at that pound of ground beef in the fridge and wondering what to make, give this casserole a try. And if you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you tweak the recipe? Add a crunchy topping? Get rave reviews from the family? Let me know in the comments—I’m always up for hearing your delicious ideas!
Print
Cheeseburger Casserole
Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with the hearty flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish. It combines seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender macaroni with sour cream and two types of cheese for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 cups water
3 beef bouillon cubes
2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the water and beef bouillon cubes. Microwave for about 4 minutes until the cubes dissolve, stirring halfway through.
2️⃣ In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
3️⃣ Add the diced onion, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
4️⃣ Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and canned diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
5️⃣ Pour in the bouillon broth and add the dry elbow macaroni. Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6️⃣ Reduce heat and stir in the sour cream and milk, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well blended.
7️⃣ Spoon half of the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
8️⃣ Add the remaining beef mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
9️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Sprinkle with dried parsley before serving.
Notes
This casserole is a great make-ahead option—assemble it up to the baking step and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. For a bit of extra crunch, try adding a layer of crushed crackers or fried onions on top before baking. It reheats well and is ideal for leftovers the next day.
