Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Busy Families

Busy weeknights meet their match with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cheeseburger casserole. Combining the all-time favorite flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-dish meal, this recipe is perfect for busy families, budget cooks, and anyone craving comforting, hearty food.

By the end of this post, you’ll have all the tips, tricks, and steps you need to whip up cheeseburger casserole any day of the week.

What Is Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger casserole is exactly what it sounds like! It takes the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—marinated ground beef, melted cheese, and a touch of ketchup—and transforms them into a creamy, comforting baked dish. With pasta to bulk it up and complement the cheeseburger flavors, this casserole is filling, flavorful, and just as satisfying as the original handheld meal.

The beauty of cheeseburger casserole lies in its simplicity. It’s easy to make, kid-approved, and perfect for making in big batches, making it an ultimate family-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also practical. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table this week:

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy families, this casserole comes together in under an hour.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy on your wallet.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap pasta types, or adjust seasonings to suit your tastes.
• Great for Leftovers: Cheeseburger casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

Now that we’ve piqued your appetite, let's get into the recipe!

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients (most of which you probably already have in your pantry!):

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice)
• 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 casserole dish to prevent sticking. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, but stop just shy of being fully cooked (since it’ll be baked in the oven later). Drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 3 – Add Flavor

To the cooked beef, stir in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4 – Assemble the Casserole

Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the heavy cream, stirring until the cheese begins to melt. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top for that ooey-gooey cheeseburger effect.

Step 5 – Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Suggested Toppings

Elevate your cheeseburger casserole with these optional toppings (or set them up like a “build-your-own-topping bar” for the family!):

• diced pickles
• crispy bacon crumbles
• chopped fresh lettuce
• drizzle of ketchup or mustard

Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole

• Pasta Matters: Stick to sturdy pasta like elbow macaroni or shells that hold up well in casseroles.
• Make it Your Own: Sneak in some vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Cheese, Please: While cheddar is the classic go-to, you can experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
• Double It If feeding a crowd, this recipe doubles easily—just use a larger dish and extend the bake time by 5 minutes.

Why Cheeseburger Casserole Is Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish suits plenty of scenarios, from hectic weekday dinners to cozy weekend movie nights. It’s comforting and satisfying but still flexible enough for experimentation. Plus, its budget-friendly ingredients make it an ideal choice for anyone mindful of food costs.

Batch prepare it for the week ahead or freeze portions—cheeseburger casserole is a truly universal meal.

Final Bite

Cheeseburger casserole marries the comforting flavors of a classic burger with the hearty satisfaction of a casserole. Whether you’re making it for a bustling family dinner or your weekly meal prep, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe for its ease, affordability, and incredible taste.

Excited to try this out? Bring your family together tonight for a cheesy, hearty meal, and dig into something everyone will love.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share pictures of your cheeseburger casserole with us using #CheeseburgerCasserole!