Cheeseburger Casserole

A warm, cheesy dinner the family will love.

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INTRODUCTION

Cheeseburger casserole is a simple, rich dish that tastes like a cheeseburger in every bite. It mixes cooked ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, pickles, and lots of cheddar cheese. You cook the beef with onion and garlic, add macaroni and broth, stir in some cheese, then bake until the top is bubbly. This one-pan meal fills the house with a good, homey smell and feeds a crowd with little fuss. If you enjoy slow-cooked casseroles, you might also like a hearty crockpot hamburger potato casserole for another easy dinner night.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this casserole because it is fast, plain to make, and very tasty. The flavors of beef, cheddar, and pickles work well together. It needs few tools and few steps, so you can make it on a weeknight. The recipe is flexible. You can add more cheese, change the pasta, or leave out the pickles if you do not like them. It also reheats well, so you can save leftovers for another meal. If you want a fun side, try pairing it with warm cheeseburger garlic bread for an extra cheesy bite.

HOW TO MAKE Cheeseburger Casserole

This recipe uses easy steps and common ingredients. You will brown the meat, cook the pasta in the same pan with broth, stir in cheese and pickles, then bake. The whole dish cooks in about 40 to 50 minutes from start to finish. Read the list of ingredients and follow the step-by-step part below. For a twist on how to serve ground beef, you can also try it stuffed in cheeseburger twice-baked potatoes once in a while.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large skillet with a lid or a deep sauté pan.
• 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Knife and cutting board.
• Colander (optional, if you drain canned tomatoes or pasta).
• Oven mitts for safe handling.

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, drained, or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup pickles, chopped (optional, plus extra for topping if desired)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooking spray or a little oil (for greasing the baking dish)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. If using, gently fold in the chopped pickles.
6. Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (and additional chopped pickles if you like) before serving.

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HOW TO SERVE Cheeseburger Casserole

Serve the casserole hot right from the oven. Cut into squares and place on warm plates. Add a few extra pickle slices on top for a bright, tangy bite. A side of simple green salad helps balance the rich cheese and beef. You can also offer ketchup, mustard, or a little ketchup-mayo mix on the side so each person can add more familiar burger flavors. For a party or family meal, put the casserole in the center and let people serve themselves.

You can also spoon the casserole onto toasted buns for a quick twist and make mini cheeseburger bowls for kids. If you want a fuller meal, pair it with a smoky side like some bacon-wrapped vegetables or a sweet slaw. For another rich sandwich style option at your next gathering, consider making bourbon BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatball subs to complement the main dish.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Cheeseburger Casserole

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave single portions until hot. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you reheat from frozen, allow extra time in the oven and cover with foil to keep moisture.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Oven-roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
• Crinkle-cut fries or oven wedges for extra crunch.
• Pickle chips and extra shredded cheese on the side.
• Coleslaw to add a cool, crisp bite.

You can also add a warm, soft side for a cozy meal. A plain rice or soft dinner roll will soak up any extra cheese sauce. If you want a sweet side after dinner, try serving a warm fruit-based casserole for dessert or brunch, like a blueberry pancake casserole for a next-day treat.

VARIATIONS

• Vegetarian: Replace beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.
• Extra cheesey: Mix in a cup of mozzarella with the cheddar for a stretchier top.
• Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onion.
• Low-carb: Swap elbow macaroni for cauliflower florets or a low-carb pasta.
• Tex-Mex: Add a can of drained black beans and a teaspoon of chili powder; top with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream.

If you like turning classic items into new dishes, try using the flavors of this casserole in other meals like twice-baked potatoes or a loaded sandwich to change the shape but keep the taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes. Small shapes like shells, rotini, or small penne work well. Adjust cooking time if the shape takes longer to soften.

Q: Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
A: If the diced tomatoes are very juicy, drain them a little so the casserole does not become too wet. Fresh tomatoes are fine if they are firm and not too watery.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. You can prepare the skillet mixture, cool it, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Pour into the baking dish and add cheese before baking. See the make-ahead tips below for more.

Q: Is it safe to freeze?
A: Yes. Freeze after baking or before baking. If frozen before baking, add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from thawed.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken work well. Use the same steps and season to taste, as lean meats may need a touch more seasoning for flavor.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cheeseburger Casserole

• Full make-ahead: Cook the skillet mixture through step 5, then let it cool completely. Transfer to the greased 9×13 dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
• Freeze before baking: Prepare through step 5, cool, then wrap the baking dish with two layers of foil and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.
• Prep in parts: Chop the onion and pickles ahead, shred the cheese, and measure the broth so you can move quickly at cook time.
• Reheat tip: Reheat covered in a 350°F oven to keep the top from drying out. Add a splash of broth or milk to revive the texture if it seems dry.

This casserole is an easy way to bring cheeseburger flavor to the dinner table with little work. It stores well, suits many tastes, and lets you change the mix to fit your needs. Enjoy a warm square of comfort food that cooks fast and pleases kids and adults alike.

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