Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner – a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dish the whole family will love. With ground beef, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese, it delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep, this dish is quick, comforting, and freezer-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Quick and easy – ready in under an hour
- Loaded with melty cheese and hearty pasta
- Easily customizable with different meats, veggies, or seasonings
- Great for meal prepping or freezer meals
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with herbs, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell pepper, cooking for 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Brown beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until no longer pink. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer pasta: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and macaroni. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Stir, cover, and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Add extras: Stir in corn and sour cream. Transfer half the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese, then top with the remaining beef mixture and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10–15 minutes or until bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving for the sauce to thicken.
Helpful Tips
- Letting the casserole rest prevents it from being watery.
- Use pasta cooked just to al dente to avoid overcooking.
- Add smoked paprika or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight for easy baking.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
- Swap Mexican cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Add pickles on the side for a true cheeseburger feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Casserole
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use different pasta? Absolutely! Penne, shells, or rotini work well.
How do I make it spicier? Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying this Cheeseburger Casserole! It’s one of my favorite easy dinners, packed with flavor and cheesy goodness. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
Print
Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Cheeseburger Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese in one hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s cheesy, comforting, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1–2 tbsp chili powder (to taste)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with herbs, undrained
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell pepper, cooking for 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Brown beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until no longer pink. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer pasta: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and macaroni. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Stir, cover, and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Add extras: Stir in corn and sour cream. Transfer half the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese, then top with the remaining beef mixture and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10–15 minutes or until bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving for the sauce to thicken.
Notes
Resting helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
Customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked & Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 22g