Cheeseburger Casserole

Craving the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a warm, comforting dish? This Cheeseburger Casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce for a family-friendly meal that’s easy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s everything you love about cheeseburgers—minus the bun—and baked into a cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Cheeseburger Flavor – Classic combo of beef, cheese, ketchup, and mustard.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
One-Pan Comfort – Perfect for feeding a hungry family or batch cooking.
Customizable – Add pickles, bacon, or your favorite burger toppings.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce & Pasta:

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini
• 2 cups beef broth or water (to cook pasta)

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup diced dill pickles (optional, for topping)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or green onion (optional garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta (if precooking)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or use an oven-safe skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Pasta
Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet.
Stir in uncooked pasta and beef broth (or water).
Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender.
(If using pre-cooked pasta, skip the broth and stir in cooked pasta instead.)

Step 4: Add Cheese & Bake
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, stir in ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Top with chopped dill pickles and parsley or green onions if desired.
Scoop and serve hot!

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole
Use Sharp Cheddar – It adds bold cheeseburger flavor.
Add Pickles Last – So they stay crisp and fresh.
Cook Pasta to Al Dente – It will continue cooking in the sauce.
Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
Double It – Great for large families or make-ahead meals.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A crisp romaine or iceberg salad with vinaigrette cuts the richness.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries – A classic burger pairing in side dish form.
Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – Classic drinks to wash it all down.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot.
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just season well for that rich cheeseburger flavor.

2. What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells are ideal—they hold the sauce and cheese beautifully.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check your condiments for gluten-free certification.

4. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5–10 extra minutes to baking time if cold.

Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate mashup of two comfort food favorites—hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights, potlucks, or whenever you want to satisfy a cheeseburger craving in casserole form.

Make it your own with extra toppings or a splash of hot sauce, and watch it become a regular on your weekly menu!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 680mg

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