Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, comforting dish that’s quick, easy to make, and loaded with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect choice! With ground beef, pasta, a rich tomato-based sauce, and a generous amount of melted cheese, this one-pan meal brings together all the savory goodness of a cheeseburger in a simple, baked casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you’re craving something delicious and hearty that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

this Recipe

What is Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger Casserole is a baked dish that combines the elements of a traditional cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce—with pasta. It’s a satisfying, all-in-one meal that captures the flavors of a cheeseburger in casserole form. The dish typically includes seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, pasta, a tomato-based sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, making it a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a delicious Cheeseburger Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work best)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional for classic cheeseburger taste)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily customize this Cheeseburger Casserole based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Make it meatless by using a plant-based ground beef substitute or add a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, or black beans for a vegetarian twist.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole.
• Spicy Version: Add a kick of heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or by using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, American cheese, or even a mix of cheddar and Colby Jack for added creaminess.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the details of how to make this Cheeseburger Casserole step-by-step.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually about 7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper, then drain off any excess fat.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet with the browned beef, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

To the skillet, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup (if using). Stir in the paprika and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the beef-tomato sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired, and enjoy!

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

Here’s a summary of the steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
4. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
5. Make the sauce with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, mustard, ketchup, and seasonings.
6. Combine the pasta with the beef mixture.
7. Assemble the casserole with pasta, sauce, and cheese.
8. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your Cheeseburger Casserole turns out perfect:

• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it during boiling prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Not draining excess fat: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole. You want a nice balance of richness without it becoming too oily.
• Too much or too little sauce: The amount of sauce is key to the texture of the casserole. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up.
• Burning the cheese topping: After removing the foil and adding the last layer of cheese, keep an eye on the casserole to make sure the cheese melts without burning. If it browns too quickly, you can tent the dish loosely with foil.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a filling dish on its own, but here are some ways to serve and present it for an even better dining experience.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole

• With a Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad or Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
• With Pickles or Condiments: For a true cheeseburger experience, serve with a side of pickle slices, ketchup, or mustard.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Casserole

• Garnish with herbs: Add a pop of color by garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
• Add extra cheese: Serve with a small bowl of extra shredded cheese for guests to sprinkle on top.
• Serve in bowls: Dish out individual servings into bowls for a rustic, comforting presentation.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it but do not bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or any other short pasta that holds up well in a casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole without pasta?
A: Yes! For a low-carb version, you can replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can boost the nutritional value and add more flavor to the casserole.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a simple, easy-to-make casserole. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, rich tomato-based sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser for potlucks. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try tonight—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious the results are!

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