The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThis easy Cheeseburger Casserole recipe is the ULTIMATE comfort food. It’s a delectable mix of elbow macaroni, lean ground meat, and cheese, all baked to perfection. With its familiar flavors and simple preparation, it’s a satisfying meal for both weeknights and special occasions.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a commission. Thank you!
I love this cheeseburger casserole because it’s one of those weeknight meals that checks every box, it’s quick to make, full of familiar flavors everyone in the house loves, and easy to tweak based on what I have.
Sometimes I swap in ground turkey or toss in extra toppings, and it still turns out great. It also reheats like a dream, which makes it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. And if you’re on a ground-beef streak lately, these budget-friendly beef dinners you can make on repeat are a good one to save.
If this is your kind of dinner, you’ll probably want to browse my cozy casserole recipes that make the week feel easier too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Creating this easy cheeseburger casserole is a breeze, and you’ll love how it transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by warming your oven to 350°F (180ºC). Next, according to the package instructions, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
A quick tip—using a nonstick 5-quart pasta pot with built-in strainer makes draining super easy and helps avoid burning yourself over the sink when the steam hits.
Cooking the Meat Mixture
Use a large skillet to cook your ground meat over medium heat until thoroughly browned.
If you’re tired of grease splattering all over your stovetop (and your shirt), a cast iron skillet with high sides and a helper handle makes this step way more manageable—it holds heat evenly and gives you more control when stirring.
Remember to drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. To the meat, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
Follow this by stirring in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, chopped pickles, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Yellow mustard has that classic burger taste. Dijon mustard will be fine in a pinch!
Assemble & Bake
In a lightly oiled baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni with the meat mixture and half of the grated cheddar cheese. I use this ceramic casserole dish as I can take it straight from the oven to the table, and it looks great.
If you’re using a block of cheese (which melts better), a box grater with container is a game-changer—it catches everything underneath and saves you from cleaning cheese bits off the counter.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Ratatouille Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Spread this mixture evenly in the dish using a silicone spatula set—it really gets into the corners and doesn’t leave any cheesy goodness behind.
Then top with the remaining cheese for a cheesy, inviting top layer. Place your casserole in the preheated oven, baking until the cheese on top becomes bubbly and has a golden-brown hue.
If you’re anything like me and always forget how hot the dish gets, thick heat-resistant oven gloves are a must—they cover past the wrists and give you a solid grip, even with a heavy pan.
Garnish & Serve
After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm to enjoy the comforting, indulgent flavors of a classic cheeseburger in casserole form.
If you’re making this for a friend or taking it to a potluck, the insulated casserole carrier is my go-to. It zips up neatly, keeps the dish hot, and fits a 9×13 baking dish perfectly without tipping or spilling.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground meat
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons pickles chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley to serve
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180ºC.
- Make the macaroni according to the package directions and set aside.1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- In a non-stick skillet, cook the meat until browned and remove any excess grease.1 pound lean ground meat
- Once the meat is no longer pink, add the onion and garlic and mix well. Cook for 5 more minutes.1 onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, pickles, salt and pepper. Mix well.1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon mustard, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons pickles, Salt and pepper
- Prepare a baking dish with a bit of cooking oil. In a bowl, mix the meat, macaroni and half of the cheese. Transfer to the baking dish.2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Top with the rest of the cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown – about 10 minutes.
- Serve with fresh parsley. Enjoy your Cheeseburger Casserole!Fresh parsley
Notes
-
-
- Meat Choices: While lean ground beef is traditional, don’t hesitate to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Each brings its unique flavor and can make the dish healthier.
- Cheese Varieties: Cheddar cheese offers that classic cheeseburger taste, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors and textures.
- Pasta: Feel free to use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
- Pickles: The chopped pickles add a tangy crunch reminiscent of a real cheeseburger. For a subtler pickle flavor, reduce the amount or use pickle relish.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Add More Vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can add flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
- Add Bacon: Turn it into a bacon cheeseburger casserole by adding diced crispy bacon, or sprinkle bacon bits on top.
- Gluten-Free Options: Swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- Make it Veggie: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. Adjust the seasoning as needed to mimic the savory flavor of the meat.
- Creamier Casserole: For a creamier texture, mix in a small amount of cream cheese or heavy cream with the beef mixture before baking.
- Fresh Toppings: After baking, top your casserole with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, or extra pickles for added crunch and freshness, mimicking the toppings of a classic cheeseburger.
- I tested mixing the pasta in fully cooked vs slightly underdone, and slightly underdone pasta works better because it finishes in the oven without turning soft.
-
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Ratatouille Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Casserole
Leftovers from cheeseburger casserole store well and taste just as good the next day. Let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
It can be refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months—if you’re freezing it, these freezer labels make it easy to remember what’s in there and when you made it.
For reheating, either bake it in the oven until warmed through or use the microwave for a quicker option.
If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This casserole can also be assembled ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to bake; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Creating delicious meals like this easy cheeseburger casserole doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are our top 3 tips for making this dish both economically and efficiently:
- Cook in Batches: Making a double batch and freezing half for later can save both time and money, as you’re using the oven less frequently.
- Reduce Waste: Use all parts of the ingredients, like using leftover pickle juice as a salad dressing base to complement the casserole.
- Smart Substitutions: Substitute expensive ingredients for more affordable ones. For example, if cheddar cheese is pricey, try a different cheese that’s on sale.
More Cozy Casserole Recipes You Will Love
If you’re keeping comfort food on the menu this week, here are a few more casseroles that are easy, filling, and always a hit.
- For a crispy-topped favorite, make tater tot casserole with a golden crunchy top.
- When you want something extra hearty, try cowboy casserole that’s filling and budget-friendly.
- If you’re craving Tex-Mex flavors, taco casserole that’s loaded with toppings is a fun one.
- For classic comfort, go with chicken pot pie casserole with that cozy “Sunday dinner” feel.
- And for an old-school option, tuna casserole that’s creamy and comforting is always worth bookmarking.
I love that it requires simple preparation. The kids love it! Its cheesy and meaty just they way we like it!
So happy to hear it was a hit with your little ones Levi! I bet they loved that cheesy goodness!
So delicious and I had so much fun making this recipe! I added some button mushrooms and bacon for extra flavors!
That’s amazing Mia, I love those additions!
I was really impressed with this cheeseburger casserole. I made it for meal prep and it was packed full of flavour even when I re-heated it.
Meal prepping is a great use for hearty casserole recipes like this Lauren! So thrilled you’re impressed!
Yes! The best cheeseburger casserole recipe indeed! Used lean ground beef and paired it with garlic bread. New addition to my family’s loved meal. I will play around the ingredients next time
Woohoo! So thrilled this was a hit with your family. Pairing it with some garlic bread is genius – love that idea. Thanks Tina!
I made this with ground chicken instead of beef because it was what I had on hand. This recipe is super delicious and I will make it again!
That’s awesome Anne! I’m so glad you enjoyed the flavors and it worked well.
The dill pickles and mustard seal the deal for this recipe. It does taste like cheese burger. I grated the cheese and added 1/4 cup milk for a smoother texture.