Here’s a hearty, family-friendly Cheeseburger Casserole recipe — packed with ground beef, cheese, pasta, and all the classic burger flavors, baked into a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknights!
🍔 Cheeseburger Casserole
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
⏱️ Time: 35–40 minutes (15 min prep + 20–25 min bake)
🧂 Ingredients:
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
-
1/4 cup ketchup
-
1 tbsp yellow mustard
-
8 oz (about 2 cups) uncooked elbow macaroni
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
-
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
-
Optional toppings: chopped pickles, extra ketchup, mustard drizzle
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
-
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
-
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft.
-
Drain excess fat.
-
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients
-
Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), ketchup, mustard, paprika, Worcestershire (if using), salt, and pepper.
-
Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Combine Pasta & Cheese
-
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
-
Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
5. Transfer & Bake
-
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
-
Top with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
6. Bake
-
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7. Serve
-
Let cool for a few minutes, then top with optional chopped pickles or drizzle of ketchup/mustard for a real cheeseburger feel!
✅ Tips & Variations:
-
Add chopped pickles to the filling for tangy crunch.
-
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
-
Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
-
Add crushed cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger twist!
-
For a one-pot version, use an oven-safe skillet and skip the casserole dish.