Cheeseburger Casserole (Easy One-Pot Dinner)

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like a cheeseburger in casserole form?

This easy cheeseburger casserole is just what you need!

With ground beef, cheese, macaroni, and tomatoes, it’s got all the flavors of a cheeseburger baked into a warm, melty casserole.

Cheeseburger Casserole 

Imagine biting into a cheeseburger, but instead, it’s in the form of a heavenly casserole.

That’s what you get with this mouthwatering dish.

It’s made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, macaroni noodles, and a luscious tomato sauce.

The elbow noodles soak up all the meaty, cheesy flavors, making each bite sinfully divine. It’s a true taste extravaganza!

If you have fond memories of Hamburger Helper, this dish is like its gourmet sibling. It’s basically a Cheeseburger Helper with an elevated twist. 

Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal.

Ingredients 

• Olive Oil: The base for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the dish.

• Veggies: Onions and garlic for sweetness and depth. Green pepper for fresh crunch.

• Ground Beef: The hearty, meaty foundation of the casserole.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness and thickens the sauce.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami boost to complement the beef.

• Seasoning: For warmth and a hint of heat, you’ll use chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

• Diced Tomatoes with Herbs: Juicy tomatoes with extra flavor from the herbs, adding moisture and acidity.

• Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta and brings a savory base to the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta that soaks up all the flavors.

• Corn Kernels: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture to balance the savory ingredients.

• Sour Cream (Optional): Adds creaminess and tang, elevating the richness of the dish.

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts perfectly into the casserole for gooey, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole

To make this a one-pot dinner, you can simply top it with cheese right in the skillet. It’ll melt into the pasta in just a few minutes.

But I love the texture you get after baking. So, here’s how to make it:

1. PREP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

2. COOK VEGGIES: Sauté the onions and peppers in oil until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic until fragrant.

3. COOK BEEF: Add the beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. SIMMER PASTA: Add the tomatoes, broth, and macaroni. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir, cover, and simmer again until pasta is tender. Stir in the corn and sour cream, if using.

5. LAYER: Transfer half the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Add the remaining meat mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.

6. BAKE: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

This casserole is incredibly flexible. You can create a dish that caters to the tastes and preferences of your entire family.

• Use taco seasoning. Skip the blend and use your go-to pack of taco seasoning. It pairs exceptionally well with Mexican cheese!

• Shred your own cheese. It’s more work, but it yields meltier cheese! For reference, a Mexican cheese blend is a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla cheeses. 

• Experiment with other cheeses. Opt for mild or sharp orange Cheddar instead of extra sharp or aged cheeses. I highly recommend sharp Cheddar, Provolone, and Mozzarella.

• Try other pasta shells. Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but rotini or mini shells work well, too. Check the package if you’re using alternative pasta, as cooking times may vary.

• Replace beef with other ground meats. You can’t go wrong with turkey or pork.

• Spice it up with salsa. Or hot sauce. Or sriracha.

• Transform the casserole into a Bacon Cheeseburger Helper. Just add chopped-up bacon to the beef mixture. You can top the casserole with bacon crumbles, too.

• Don’t skip the rest. It gives the dish time to set and the sauce to thicken. If you serve it right away, it can be watery.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

This cheeseburger casserole is a complete dinner on its own. If you want an even heartier meal, here are some fantastic sides to pair with it: 

Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad
Mayonnaise Biscuits
Cracker Barrel Glazed Baby Carrots
Texas Roadhouse Rolls
1905 Salad

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is also a great make-ahead dish. You can double the recipe and serve the second batch some other time!

To make it ahead, cook the beef mixture and macaroni and store them separately.

Refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Then, assemble the casserole according to the recipe, bake it, and attack it.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

To Store: Allow your cheeseburger casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap. Transfer the casserole to an air-tight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days.

To Freeze: Allow the cheeseburger casserole to cool completely before freezing it. Store the dish in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze it for up to 6 months.

To Reheat: Either microwave the casserole or reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it’s warmed through.