The Ultimate Family Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole recipe that brings the classic burger’s flavors into a hearty, one-pan meal.

Ground beef sizzles with savory seasonings, creating a rich base that promises pure satisfaction.

Melted cheese blankets each layer, adding creamy indulgence to every single bite.

Crispy edges and tender center make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite for weeknight dinners.

The combination of familiar ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Families and hungry guests will devour this casserole with pure delight.

Prepare to experience a delicious twist on a beloved American classic that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that forms the base of the cheeseburger casserole and provides rich, savory flavor.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds hearty texture.
• Sour Cream, Whole Milk: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth consistency in the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that add gooey, classic cheeseburger flavor and golden topping.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Italian Seasoning: Spice blend that adds depth and complexity to the meat's flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment that provides a rich umami taste to the beef mixture.
• Dried Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal note to the finished dish.
• Beef Bouillon Cubes: Concentrated flavor cubes that create a savory broth base for the casserole.
• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Tomato products that add moisture and classic tomato flavor to the meat mixture.
• Onion, Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a foundational flavor to the beef base.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Casserole Easily

Step 1: Dissolve Beef Bouillon

Microwave water with beef bouillon cubes until completely dissolved.

Set broth aside for later use.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook ground beef until browned, breaking into small crumbles.

Drain excess grease and return beef to skillet.

Step 3: Season Beef Mixture

Reduce heat to medium.

• Diced onion
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder

Stir to coat beef evenly and cook until onions become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Create Sauce Base

• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes with juice

Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients.

Step 5: Cook Pasta in Beef Mixture

Add dried elbow macaroni and prepared beef broth to skillet.

Ensure pasta is fully submerged.

Cover and simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes tender.

Step 6: Make Creamy Sauce

Stir in sour cream and whole milk to create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 7: Layer Casserole

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Pour half the beef-pasta mixture into 9×13 glass baking dish.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Step 8: Final Layering and Baking

Add remaining beef-pasta mixture.

Top with remaining cheese blend.

Bake uncovered until sides bubble and cheese melts to golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle dried parsley over casserole.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Helpful Tips for Casserole Success

• Select 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to minimize excess grease and create a healthier cheeseburger casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gouda, or provolone to add unique flavor profiles and create a more complex taste experience.
• Watch pasta closely during simmering to prevent overcooking or drying out; stir occasionally and add small amounts of water if needed to maintain creamy consistency.
• Bloom spices by briefly toasting them in the skillet before adding ground beef to intensify their flavors and create a more robust taste profile.
• Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime more convenient.

How to Store and Warm Cheeseburger Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a few tablespoons of milk or broth to maintain creamy texture. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light, refreshing green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole flavors.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, which cuts through the casserole's creamy texture and enhances the beef's robust taste.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread with butter and herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft casserole.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA that offers a crisp, slightly bitter profile to cleanse the palate between hearty bites of the cheeseburger casserole.

Tasty Additions to Cheeseburger Casserole

• Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Casserole: Replace elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring all ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reduce onion quantity, and use full-fat cream instead of milk for a keto-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning profile and cooking method for a meat-free alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, replace sour cream with coconut cream, and select plant-based milk to accommodate dairy sensitivities.

FAQs

• Why use lean ground beef in this recipe?

Lean ground beef reduces excess fat and calories while maintaining rich, meaty flavor. It helps create a healthier version of the classic cheeseburger casserole without compromising taste.

• Can I substitute the type of pasta?

Elbow macaroni works best because it absorbs the sauce well and creates a consistent texture. However, you can use similar short pasta shapes like shells or rotini if needed.

• How do the bouillon cubes enhance the flavor?

Beef bouillon cubes intensify the meat’s savory profile, adding depth and richness to the overall dish. They create a more robust beef flavor throughout the casserole.

• What makes the casserole creamy?

The combination of sour cream and whole milk creates a rich, smooth texture. These ingredients help bind the ingredients together and provide a luxurious, comforting mouthfeel to the dish.

What Makes Cheeseburger Casserole So Comforting

• Prepare this cheeseburger casserole with minimal dishes and simple cooking steps, making cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and rich seasonings, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction and nostalgic flavors that everyone will adore.
• Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, meaty goodness, transforming a classic burger concept into a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Easily customize with additional spices, swap meat types, or add extra vegetables to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheeseburger casserole delivers classic American comfort with a delightful twist of cheesy, meaty goodness. Crowd-pleasing layers meld perfectly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 3 cubes beef bouillon

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion (diced finely)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups large elbow macaroni (dried)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Dissolve beef bouillon cubes in water by microwaving for 4 minutes until fully integrated. Set prepared broth aside for later use.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles. Drain excess grease and return meat to pan.
3. Reduce heat and incorporate onions and all seasonings into beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture. Thoroughly blend ingredients to ensure even distribution.
5. Add uncooked macaroni and prepared beef broth directly into skillet. Ensure pasta is completely submerged. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring midway to prevent sticking.
6. Blend sour cream and whole milk into the pasta mixture, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
7. Transfer half the beef-pasta mixture into a 9×13 glass baking dish. Layer with half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend.
8. Complete the layering by adding remaining beef-pasta mixture and topping with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and edges bubble.
9. Garnish with dried parsley after removing from oven. Allow casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Customize seasoning by adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences, adding more chili powder for heat or reducing for milder flavor.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich, meaty texture and preventing excess grease in the dish.
• Consider replacing dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese and coconut milk for a lactose-free or vegan-friendly version of this comfort food classic.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg