Irresistible Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

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by Mia Hanry

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Imagine a warm, gooey dish that combines the best of a cheeseburger and the comfort of a casserole. A Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is like a cozy hug after a long day—each bite bursting with cheesy goodness and savory ground beef. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making even the most reluctant eaters perk up and take notice.

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This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Picture gathering around the table, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into this comforting meal. Trust me; your taste buds are in for an incredible adventure!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe offers simplicity with fantastic flavor
  • It’s visually appealing with vibrant colors from fresh ingredients
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your family’s preferences
  • Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one dish!

I remember the first time I made this casserole; my friends couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared—like magic!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option; it cooks up beautifully and stays tender.
  • Onion: Fresh onions add sweetness and depth of flavor; chop them finely to blend well.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the aroma; use fresh cloves for brighter flavors.
  • Pasta: I recommend using elbow macaroni or small shells, which hold sauce perfectly.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a strong flavor; grate it yourself for better melting.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide moisture and acidity; choose ones with herbs for extra flavor.
  • Ketchup and Mustard: These classic condiments give that authentic cheeseburger taste; don’t skip them!
  • Pickles (optional): Chopped pickles add crunch and tang—perfect if you love that burger vibe!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This will streamline your process and ensure you don’t forget anything essential.

Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until browned and fragrant, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep your casserole light.

Add Garlic & Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to elevate flavor.

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in another pot, adding salt generously. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente—don’t forget to drain!

Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and half of the cheese. Mix well until everything is coated evenly.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Now that you’ve experienced the magic of this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe, get ready to serve up smiles at your next meal! Enjoy each cheesy bite while relishing in how easy it was to create such deliciousness. Happy cooking! For more inspiration, check out this delicious main dishes recipe.

You Must Know

  • This cheeseburger casserole is comfort food at its finest
  • The combination of creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and tender pasta creates a symphony of flavors that warm the soul
  • Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that makes cleanup a breeze

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef and onions together for maximum flavor, then combine everything in your baking dish for even cooking.

 

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • This delicious cheeseburger casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks
  • Keep ingredients fresh and avoid overcooking to maintain that cheesy goodness
  • Use high-quality cheese for richer flavor and texture

Cooking this casserole reminds me of my college days when friends would gather to share meals. One night, we made this dish and ended up having an impromptu dance party while waiting for it to bake.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat in the cheeseburger casserole recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as lean alternatives in this recipe.

How do I make the cheeseburger casserole spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat!

Can I freeze leftovers from the cheeseburger casserole?

Yes! Simply freeze in portions and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cheeseburger Casserole


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  • Author: platesdaily
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8

Description

Cheeseburger Casserole combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of a one-dish meal. This family-friendly recipe features tender pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection for a deliciously satisfying dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this dish promises smiles around the table with every cheesy bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with herbs)
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • ½ cup pickles, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and onions for about 7-10 minutes; drain excess fat.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the beef mixture, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and half of the cheddar cheese.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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