Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Craving all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger but want something more satisfying and family-friendly? This Cheeseburger Casserole recipe delivers exactly that! Imagine tender ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite burger fixings baked into one comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

This hearty casserole captures everything you love about a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make format that feeds the whole family. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create a meal that’s both nostalgic and completely satisfying.

What is “Cheeseburger Casserole”?

Cheeseburger Casserole is a creative twist on the classic American burger that transforms all those beloved flavors into a baked dish. Instead of individual burgers, this recipe layers seasoned ground beef with cheese, pickles, and other burger essentials in a casserole format.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. It combines the comfort of a home-cooked casserole with the familiar taste of a cheeseburger, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults. The result is a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup dill pickle slices, chopped
¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk

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

Creating this delicious Cheeseburger Casserole involves several simple steps that build layers of flavor. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
This preparation step ensures everything comes together smoothly during assembly.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook until beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Create the Burger Sauce:

To the cooked beef, add drained diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
The sauce should smell just like your favorite burger condiments combined.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella until melted and smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the pasta.
Add the chopped pickles for that authentic burger flavor.
Pour the cheese sauce over everything, ensuring even coverage.
Top with remaining pasta and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.

6. Bake to Perfection:

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Cheeseburger Casserole is its adaptability. Here are some substitutions and variations I recommend:

Ground Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for different dietary needs.
Pasta: Try different shapes like penne, shells, or even tater tots for the base layer.
Cheese: Experiment with American cheese, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
Pickles: Use sweet pickle relish instead of dill pickles for a different taste.
Spice Level: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to give your casserole some heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheeseburger Casserole, here are the mistakes I’ve learned to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta: Since it bakes further in the oven, slightly undercook your pasta initially.
Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make your casserole soggy, so drain thoroughly.
Skipping the Roux: A proper cheese sauce prevents grittiness and ensures smooth melting.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier texture.
Not Letting it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes so layers don’t slide apart when serving.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole

This hearty casserole works wonderfully as a complete meal, but I love pairing it with complementary sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with ranch dressing to balance the richness.

Oven-baked sweet potato fries or regular french fries make excellent accompaniments that keep with the burger theme. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Casserole

To make your Cheeseburger Casserole look as appealing as it tastes, consider these presentation tips:

Individual Portions: Serve in ramekins for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
Colorful Garnish: Top with diced tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions for a fresh burger appearance.
Side Arrangement: Arrange pickle spears and cherry tomatoes around the serving dish.
Rustic Style: Serve directly from the baking dish for a homey, family-style meal.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips for ensuring your Cheeseburger Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Quality Ingredients: Use good quality ground beef with the right fat content for optimal flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasonings – this dish should taste boldly of cheeseburger flavors.
Layer Strategically: Proper layering ensures every bite has the perfect combination of flavors.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your casserole reaches 165°F throughout.
Make Ahead: This dish actually improves when made a day ahead and reheated.

How to Store Cheeseburger Casserole

Proper storage keeps your Cheeseburger Casserole fresh and delicious for days. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container or covered baking dish.

For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes from refrigerated or 45-60 minutes from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. You can freeze it before or after baking.

Q: What’s the best ground beef to use?
A: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture without being too greasy.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Certainly! Any short pasta shape works well. Shells, rotini, or penne are all excellent choices.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
A: Make sure to drain your diced tomatoes and ground beef thoroughly. Also, don’t skip making the proper cheese sauce roux.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Of course! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn all work beautifully in this recipe.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Casserole brings together everything we love about America’s favorite sandwich in a format that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep. This recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheeseburger while offering the convenience and comfort of a baked casserole.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and those signature burger flavors creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this Cheeseburger Casserole delivers every time.

Remember that cooking is about creating memories and bringing people together around the table. This hearty, satisfying dish does exactly that, proving that sometimes the best comfort food comes from taking our favorite flavors and reimagining them in new, delicious ways. Happy cooking!