Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and downright delicious dinner that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place. This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is one of those recipes that I keep coming back to because it’s like a warm hug on a plate. It combines all the favorite flavors of a cheeseburger—melty cheese, seasoned beef, and tender pasta—into one easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a total winner.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe lies in simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create something so much better than the sum of their parts. Here’s a quick heads-up on what to watch out for when shopping.

• Dried elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape for casseroles; holds sauce well and blends perfectly with the beef.
• Ground beef: I love 80:20 for that perfect mix of flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
• Oregano, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper: These spices bring depth and a subtle kick to the beef that makes every bite interesting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions.
• Yellow onion and garlic: Nothing beats the aroma and flavor these fresh aromatics contribute.
• Tomato puree: Gives a slight tang and moisture that balances the creamy cheese.
• Heavy cream and chicken stock: This combo creates a luscious sauce that binds the casserole together beautifully.
• Dried parsley and basil: Simple herbs that add freshness without overpowering.
• Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese: The Monterey Jack melts so smoothly while the sharp Cheddar adds that classic cheeseburger bite.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or what you’re craving. I’m all about making recipes work for you, so feel free to get creative!

• Vegetable Boost: I’ve added diced bell peppers or mushrooms to sneak in some extra veggies, and honestly, it just made this comfort food dish even better.
• Cheese Swap: Sometimes I replace Monterey Jack with mozzarella or even pepper jack if I want a little heat—don’t be shy about experimenting!
• Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef step can totally change the vibe and makes my family go crazy for it.
• Make it Lighter: Use ground turkey instead of beef and swap heavy cream with half-and-half—still delicious, just a bit lighter on calories.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Get that pasta perfectly cooked—but still firm

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skimp on the salt! I like about a tablespoon for every 2 quarts of water; it flavors the pasta nicely. Once boiling, add your elbow macaroni and cook for about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. You want it mostly cooked but still al dente because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. When done, drain and set aside, but don’t rinse it; the starch leftover helps the sauce cling better.

Step 2: Flavor the beef like a pro

While the pasta cooks, heat a big skillet over medium heat and toss in your ground beef. Season it well with oregano, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. These spices are what turn simple ground beef into something you’ll want to eat for days. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as you go. Using spices early helps build that bold, rich flavor I love.

Step 3: Build that saucy, cheesy base

After the beef is ready, add butter, chopped onions, minced garlic, and tomato puree right into the skillet. The butter melts and softens the onions beautifully while the tomato puree adds a subtle tang that complements the creamy cheese. Give it all a good stir and cook until the onions are tender and everything is mingling nicely—usually about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine pasta, beef, and creamy sauce

Now, add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir it well so every nook is coated, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock. Sprinkle in the dried parsley and basil for just a touch of herbiness. Don’t forget to stir in most of your shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese—reserve some to sprinkle on top later. The mixture will be lovely and creamy, ready to bake into that cheesy, bubbly goodness.

Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection

Transfer the whole cheesy mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish —no need to grease it, which saves you a step. Top with the remaining cheese, pop it in a 400°F oven, and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown, bubbly cheese—all those flavors melding perfectly in the oven. When ready, the whole kitchen smells like a dream.

Step 6: Serve with style

If you like your casserole a bit looser and creamier, dig in right away. But if you want it to slice nicely on the plate, let it rest for about 10 minutes first—it helps it set up beautifully.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on each plate adds a nice tang that reminds me of a loaded baked potato. If you’re feeling fancy, pickles or even a few crispy bacon bits on top give it a fun twist that really amps up the cheeseburger vibe.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole. Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts work great too. If you want to go all-in, some sweet potato fries or a classic coleslaw bring the whole meal together perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party, adding layers of cheese and beef sauce so everyone felt like they had a personal “cheeseburger” feast. Another time, I added a topping of crushed potato chips before baking for an irresistible crunch on top. It’s a fun way to surprise guests or make a weeknight dinner feel a little extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools down, I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3-4 days, and I often use it for quick lunches. Just be sure to cover it well to preserve moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen this casserole a few times when I made double batches. It freezes well for up to 3 months if you pack it tightly in an airtight container. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until hot and bubbly. For larger portions, reheating in a 350°F oven until warmed through keeps the cheese melty and the texture nice—usually around 20 minutes. Adding a splash of cream or stock before reheating helps keep it from drying out, too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s comforting, easy to make, and loved by everyone who tries it. I remember the first time I made it—I was blown away by how simple ingredients came together to create something so rich and satisfying. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as I do, and it’ll soon be one of your go-to dishes for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite in your home!

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