Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, all-in-one dish that hits all the right comfort food notes, you’re going to absolutely love this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe. I first stumbled upon this gem when I wanted something easy and satisfying that the whole family would devour—and believe me, it did not disappoint. It’s a tasty blend of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese that somehow feels like your favorite cheeseburger but without any of the fuss of the grill. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works together to create layers of flavor that remind me of those classic cheeseburger tastes, but in a cozy casserole form. When shopping, picking good quality beef and fresh cheese makes a huge difference—trust me on that!

• Lean Ground Beef: I use 92% lean for just the right balance of flavor and fat.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed—don’t skip it.
• Beef Bouillon Cubes: These amp up the meaty flavor of the broth you’ll use for the pasta.
• Dried Elbow Macaroni: Classic shape that holds onto that cheesy sauce perfectly.
• Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes: Give it that subtle tang and richness—balances the beef beautifully.
• Sour Cream and Whole Milk: Create a creamy texture that makes the casserole extra dreamy.
• Freshly Shredded Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredding your own cheese melts way better than pre-shredded—take my word for it!
• Seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, chili powder—all the spices to bring out the savory cheeseburger vibe.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for that umami boost.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried swapping ingredients and tweaking seasonings depending on what’s in my fridge or the vibe I want for dinner. Feel free to make it yours!

• Vegetarian Variation: I’ve replaced the beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Spicy Kick: Sometimes I toss in extra chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce—great for when you want a little heat.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile—both have worked well in my kitchen.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Just swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta noodles, and you’re good to go without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Dissolve the Beef Bouillon for a Flavor-Packed Broth

Start by adding 2 cups of water and the beef bouillon cubes into a microwave-safe bowl. I microwave this on high for 4 to 5 minutes until the cubes completely dissolve, which creates an easy, rich broth for cooking the pasta. This step is a clever shortcut that packs so much beefy flavor right into your noodles.

Step 2: Cook and Season the Beef

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, brown your ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain the grease to keep things from getting too oily, then lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir and cook until your onions turn soft and translucent—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This part fills the kitchen with such a great aroma; it’s a sure sign you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Build the Base with Tomato and Worcestershire Sauce

Next, stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes with their juices. The Worcestershire sauce is what I call a flavor secret that deepens the meaty savory notes. Combine everything well to marry those flavors.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Broth, Then Simmer

Add your dried elbow macaroni directly into the beef mixture along with the beef bouillon broth you prepared earlier. Give it a good stir, cover it, and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. After that, uncover, stir, then cover again for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is tender. This no-drain method means the pasta soaks up all those saucy flavors—you’ll notice the difference in every bite.

Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Milk for Creaminess

This step is where the casserole really gets creamy and rich. Once your pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream and milk. This combo adds a smooth, tangy richness that balances the tomato and beef flavors perfectly—it’s a technique I discovered after experimenting to get just the right texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Top With Cheese

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and pour in half of the beef and pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, then layer the remaining mixture evenly over it. Finish with the remaining cheese. I always shred my own cheese because it melts better and gives you that gooey topping we all crave.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Bake uncovered in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes or until the sides are bubbling and the cheese is nicely melted. That bubbling edge is when I know it’s ready to come out—if you wait longer, the top might brown a bit too much, so I keep an eye on it towards the end.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this casserole, I like adding a little fresh green onion or chopped pickles on top. It adds a bright, crisp contrast that really complements the richness of the dish. A dollop of ketchup or mustard on the side is surprisingly popular with my kids too—perfect for that true cheeseburger vibe.

Side Dishes

I often pair this with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. Sometimes, I serve it alongside garlic bread for those days when we’re craving carbs hard. Either way, it feels like the perfect homey meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve made individual portions in small ramekins which is fun for guests and makes serving simpler. Another trick is sprinkling a few crispy fried onions on top after baking for extra crunch—my family went nuts for that one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the casserole cool to room temp, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this casserole both before and after baking. Just prepare it completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this method keeps the texture intact and the flavors vibrant.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, usually about 15-20 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works fine, but the oven brings back that fresh-baked cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe has become one of those comforting staples I keep coming back to, especially on busy weeknights when I want something warm, filling, and fuss-free. I absolutely love how the flavors come together without needing a grill or flipping patties. If you’ve been craving a new twist on classic comfort food, give this a try—you’ll be glad you did. And hey, once you try it, it might just become your family’s next favorite dinner too!

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