Meet your new go-to comfort food: Easy Cheeseburger Casserole. This dish tastes exactly like a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, tangy ketchup and mustard, and a hint of onion—all swirled together with tender pasta and baked to bubbling, golden perfection. It’s hearty, homey, and guaranteed to put big smiles on the faces of friends and family alike, whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults. If you love familiar flavors with minimal fuss, you’ll adore this cheesy, crave-worthy casserole twist on an American favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is how a handful of everyday ingredients join forces to create a truly irresistible meal. Each has its part to play—bringing the classic cheeseburger flavor, comforting texture, and irresistible cheesy finish that make this dish an instant hit.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The heart and soul of the casserole, lending rich, satisfying flavor and protein.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and depth; the diced pieces melt into the dish as it bakes.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings out a wonderful aroma, giving the casserole a savory backbone.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick and complexity, making every bite pop.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): For that playful, tangy cheeseburger magic everyone loves.
- Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds our signature burger tang and just the right zing.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes, with juice (1 14.5-oz can): Juices up the casserole and brings in a sweet, mildly acidic brightness.
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Helps cook the pasta right in the skillet, soaks up flavor, keeps things extra moist.
- Uncooked Elbow Macaroni (2 cups): Soaks up all the saucy flavor and keeps the body of the casserole hearty and fun.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts through the casserole and delivers that signature gooey cheeseburger vibe.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and makes the cheese sauce extra luscious.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a splash creates that classic savory umami depth.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Use it for sautéing if your beef is a little lean, to prevent sticking and enrich the flavor.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray—this ensures nothing sticks and you get those irresistible crispy cheese edges.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and diced onion (a splash of olive oil if needed). Cook and stir until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This stage lays the hearty foundation for all those classic cheeseburger flavors to shine.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Salt, and Pepper
Toss in your minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let it all cook for just a minute, until the kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t walk away!
Step 4: Build the Burger Sauce and Simmer
Stir in the ketchup, mustard, canned diced tomatoes (with all their juice), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. This is where the Easy Cheeseburger Casserole takes on its iconic tangy, savory base. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, mix it all together, and bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Pasta
After hitting a boil, dial down the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be just shy of al dente—it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Everything starts to meld into one delicious, saucy union.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
Switch off the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar and the milk. This step transforms your beefy base into a glossy, cheese-filled wonder. Creamy and delicious, this is the magic moment!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle with the final 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bubbly and beautifully melted.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let your Easy Cheeseburger Casserole stand for 5 minutes. This final pause helps everything set, making it easier to cut and serve generous, hearty portions.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
Garnishes
If you want to take your casserole to next-level cheeseburger glory, pile on some garnishes! Diced pickles, a handful of sliced green onions, or a zigzag of burger sauce over the top really drive home that familiar flavor. You can even scatter sesame seeds for a nod to the classic burger bun. Everyone loves the fun of personalizing their slice!
Side Dishes
This is a one-dish wonder, but if you’re aiming for the full diner experience, pair Easy Cheeseburger Casserole with simple sides. A crisp green salad adds freshness and crunch, while roasted broccoli or baked sweet potato fries round out the meal perfectly. Even classic potato chips work for a playful, casual touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a weeknight, scoop straight from the pan and let everyone dig in! For a party or game night, cut the casserole into squares and serve on small plates with toothpick flags. You can even layer it in small mason jars for a single-serving twist, or tuck leftovers into lunchboxes—this casserole is as adaptable as it is crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Easy Cheeseburger Casserole left (a big “if”!), let it cool to room temperature and cover tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days; airtight containers keep the flavors and cheese as fresh as possible. It’s the dream meal prep dinner: just reheat and enjoy!
Freezing
Easy Cheeseburger Casserole freezes beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving a taste of homemade comfort, pull it out and you’re halfway to dinner bliss!
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F, covered, until hot and bubbly (about 20–25 minutes if thawed, longer if frozen). For single servings, the microwave works great—just use a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely, heating in 1-minute bursts until steamy throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni gives that classic cheeseburger macaroni vibe, you can easily swap for penne, rotini, or even shells. Just stick with a similarly sized shape so everything cooks evenly and soaks up the sauce.
How can I make Easy Cheeseburger Casserole healthier?
For a lighter spin, try ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef, and go for low-fat cheddar. Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach during the sauté step if you want more veggies—this dish is wonderfully forgiving!
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just note it may need a few extra minutes in the oven to heat through. Perfect for prepping before guests arrive or planning an easy weeknight dinner.
Is it possible to make this gluten free?
Certainly. Choose your favorite gluten free pasta and double-check that your beef broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce are all gluten free. The result is just as tasty and satisfying as the original.
What toppings work best for an authentic cheeseburger flavor?
Diced pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and a drizzle of special sauce all bring out true cheeseburger feels. Even a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top can playfully mimic that classic burger bun. Get creative and let everyone top their own!
Final Thoughts
When you need a meal that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Easy Cheeseburger Casserole brings the best of both worlds: cozy, cheesy comfort and all those nostalgic burger flavors you love. Try it once and you’ll want to put it on repeat—it’s pure weeknight magic in every bite!
Print
Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an effortless baked dish. Ground beef, macaroni, and cheese come together with savory seasonings for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in ketchup, mustard, tomatoes, broth, macaroni. Simmer until pasta is slightly tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and milk. Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let sit before serving.
Notes
- Top with diced pickles or burger sauce for extra flavor.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used as substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
