Cheeseburger Casserole

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the flavors of a cheeseburger, and when you turn those beloved ingredients into a cozy dish like Cheeseburger Casserole, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly winter evening, and I wanted something hearty to bring my family together around the dinner table. This casserole not only satisfied our cravings but also filled our home with mouthwatering aromas that made us feel right at home. The best part? It comes together quickly and is perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want to enjoy a comforting meal.

As I layered the ingredients, I could feel the excitement building. The rich, savory taste of the ground beef mingling with the gooey cheese and tender pasta creates a symphony of flavors. Plus, it’s a dish that’s versatile — you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re celebrating a cozy family dinner or just looking for a quick meal option, this Cheeseburger Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients Required for Cheeseburger Casserole

The ingredients for this Cheeseburger Casserole blend together beautifully to create a rich and satisfying dish. Each component plays a role in making this casserole memorable. From the savory ground beef to the creamy cheeses, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• 1 lb lean ground beef – The star of the show, providing that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• 1 medium onion (diced finely) – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 tsp salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• ½ tsp ground black pepper – A touch of spice to round out the taste.
• 2 tsp minced garlic – Brings aromatic goodness to the mix.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Extra garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic.
• ½ tsp chili powder – A hint of heat to elevate the dish.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and richness.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes – Provides moisture and a fresh tomato flavor.
• 2 cups water – Helps to cook the pasta and create a cohesive dish.
• 3 cubes beef bouillon – Infuses the dish with savory, beefy goodness.
• 2 cups large elbow macaroni (dried) – The pasta that brings everything together.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
• ¼ cup whole milk – Helps to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded) – Melts beautifully for that cheesy top layer.
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded) – Offers a sharp, savory kick.
• 1 tbsp parsley (dried) – A touch of color and freshness.

Directions for Cheeseburger Casserole

Making this Cheeseburger Casserole is a breeze, and you’ll love how it all comes together! Follow these simple steps to create a comforting meal that your family will adore.

1. In a medium bowl, combine water and beef bouillon cubes. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until the cubes have dissolved. Set aside. This step is crucial for building flavor in your casserole.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and return the beef to the pan. It’s important to drain the grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir well and cook until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This will create a fragrant base for your casserole.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and petite diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet, stirring to combine. The mixture should look thick and rich at this point.
5. Incorporate the dried macaroni and the prepared beef bouillon broth into the mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This will provide the necessary moisture for the pasta to cook.
6. Cover the skillet and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir, then cover again and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, uncover the mixture and stir in sour cream and whole milk. This will give your casserole that creamy texture we all love.
8. Pour half of the beef and pasta mixture into a 9×13 glass baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese over the casserole. Make sure to spread it evenly for consistent melting.
9. Top with the remaining beef and pasta mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust.
10. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, or until the sides of the casserole are bubbling and the cheese is golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Ways to Customize

There’s so much you can do with this Cheeseburger Casserole to make it truly your own! Here are some ideas to consider:

• Storage: This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it in an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover casserole for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the oven until heated through.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The crispness of a salad complements the richness of the casserole.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses; pepper jack adds a spicy flair while Swiss cheese brings a nutty flavor.
• Herb Toppings: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley sprinkled on top just before serving can add a lovely freshness and color.

What to Serve Alongside Cheeseburger Casserole

When serving your Cheeseburger Casserole, you want to create a well-rounded meal that complements its hearty flavors. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:

• Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect balance to the richness of the casserole. The crisp greens and vibrant veggies provide a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce from the casserole. It’s a classic pairing that everyone loves!
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and zest that cuts through the creaminess of the dish, making it a delightful addition.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving some roasted seasonal vegetables on the side. They’ll add color and nutrients to your meal.
• Perfect for Potlucks: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
• Kid-Friendly: It’s a great option for kids’ parties or family movie nights. Pair with a side of fruit for a balanced plate.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cheeseburger Casserole is truly a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Its warm, cheesy goodness is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a new favorite dish to your table. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how comforting it is to eat. Enjoy every bite with your loved ones!

Cheeseburger Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Cheeseburger Casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta for an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings. It's a deliciously cheesy, hearty dish that you won't want to miss!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced finely)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 3 cubes beef bouillon
• 2 cups large elbow macaroni (dried)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 tbsp parsley (dried)

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine water and beef bouillon cubes. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until the cubes have dissolved. Set aside. This step is crucial for building flavor in your casserole.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and return the beef to the pan. It’s important to drain the grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir well and cook until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This will create a fragrant base for your casserole.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and petite diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet, stirring to combine. The mixture should look thick and rich at this point.
5. Incorporate the dried macaroni and the prepared beef bouillon broth into the mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This will provide the necessary moisture for the pasta to cook.
6. Cover the skillet and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir, then cover again and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, uncover the mixture and stir in sour cream and whole milk. This will give your casserole that creamy texture we all love.
8. Pour half of the beef and pasta mixture into a 9x13 glass baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese over the casserole. Make sure to spread it evenly for consistent melting.
9. Top with the remaining beef and pasta mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust.
10. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, or until the sides of the casserole are bubbling and the cheese is golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Notes

• Tip 1: This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it in an airtight container.
• Tip 2: You can freeze leftover casserole for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the oven until heated through.
• Tip 3: Serve with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The crispness of a salad complements the richness of the casserole.
• Tip 4: If you like a little heat, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different cheeses; pepper jack adds a spicy flair while Swiss cheese brings a nutty flavor.
• Tip 6: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley sprinkled on top just before serving can add a lovely freshness and color.

Previous PostFrench Onion Chicken Casserole

Next Post Chocolate Strawberry Baked Donuts

Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.