The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
This 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.
Why You Will Love Making Cheeseburger Casserole
This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for any day of the week. Here’s why you’ll find making this casserole an absolute joy:
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together with minimal fuss.
- Family Favorite: The familiar taste of cheeseburgers turned into a casserole makes it a hit among both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap in ground turkey for a lighter option or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.
- Nutritious: Incorporating lean meat, garlic, onions, and serving with a side of vegetables turns this into a balanced meal.
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing like the comforting blend of cheese, meat, and pasta to warm you up on a chilly evening.
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 355°F (180ºC). Next, according to the package instructions, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the Meat Mixture
Use a large skillet to cook your ground meat over medium heat until thoroughly browned. 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. Spread this mixture evenly in the dish, 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.
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.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some little tips and tricks to make your casserole even better.
- 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.
How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Casserole
Leftovers can be just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture:
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before you store it, and then transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can keep the casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep. If you’d like to store it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date, so you know when it was stored.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can either bake it in the oven until it’s thoroughly warmed through or microwave it for a quicker option. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s 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.
What to Serve with Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
Pairing the right sides with your easy cheeseburger casserole can turn it into a well-rounded meal that’s even more satisfying. Here are some suggestions that complement its flavors beautifully:
Steamed Vegetables
For a healthy and easy side, consider steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Their natural flavors and slight crunch provide a nice contrast to the casserole’s savory taste. Plus, they add color and nutritional value to your meal.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always a hit and goes wonderfully with the casserole, soaking up any sauce and adding a garlicky, buttery layer to your meal. You can make it from scratch or enhance store-bought bread with extra garlic and herbs.
Roasted Potatoes
Small, roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs can add extra comfort to this dish. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them a delicious side that’s easy to prepare. Choose seasonings that complement the flavors of the casserole, such as rosemary or thyme.
More Cozy Casserole Recipes You Will Love
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The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°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.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before you store it, and then transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can keep the casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep. If you’d like to store it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date, so you know when it was stored.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can either bake it in the oven until it’s thoroughly warmed through or microwave it for a quicker option. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
