so this cheeseburger casserole might be one of my coziest, most crowd-pleasing dinners ever. I made it on a random Tuesday night when I needed something hearty and low-effort, and it was an instant hit.
It’s like all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, gooey cheese, and that craveable burger flavor—tossed with pasta and baked to bubbly perfection. Even the picky eaters in my house went back for seconds.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make when you’ve got ground beef to use up, or when you’re feeding a group and want something satisfying that doesn’t break the bank. Bonus: it reheats like a dream, so you’ve got lunch or dinner ready to roll the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is pure comfort food—easy to throw together, full of familiar flavors, and guaranteed to satisfy.
It’s got a rich, cheesy beef and tomato base that’s seasoned just like a cheeseburger, then tossed with pasta and topped with more melty cheese. What’s not to love?
Whether you’re feeding kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and filling, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s also super customizable and budget-friendly, which makes it a win for busy families or weeknight dinners.
What You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work well)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles, chopped
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded lettuce (for serving)
Pro Tips
- Use a short pasta shape like elbows or rotini—they hold the sauce better.
- Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor (pre-shredded has additives).
- Don’t skip the mustard and Worcestershire. These add that real cheeseburger tang.
- Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
- Want crispy edges? Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
- Knife and cutting board
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Gluten-free pasta if needed
- Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- Swap cheeses—try pepper jack or Colby for a twist
- Add spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños
- Make it low-carb by swapping the pasta for cauliflower florets
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble ahead: Prepare the full casserole and store covered in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to bake time.
- Freeze before baking: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Reheat-friendly: This casserole holds up great in the fridge and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners later in the week.
How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 4: Add Seasoning and Sauce
Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Turn off heat and stir in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Transfer and Top
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and the mozzarella on top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. If you like crispy edges, leave uncovered. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes, then top with chopped pickles, green onions, or sesame seeds if using. Serve warm!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is super satisfying on its own, but here are a few easy sides to serve with it:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Sliced cucumbers with ranch for kids
- Or serve it topped with shredded lettuce and pickles for full “cheeseburger” vibes
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let cool completely, then freeze in individual portions or the whole pan for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a 350°F oven until hot. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Benefits
This cheeseburger casserole is rich in protein thanks to the ground beef and cheese, and it’s easy to balance out with veggies on the side.
Using whole food ingredients gives you more control over sodium and preservatives compared to fast food or boxed meals.
It’s a filling, energy-packed option that can be customized to meet your family’s needs—gluten-free, veggie-packed, or low-carb.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use raw pasta in the casserole?
No—you’ll want to cook it first. It won’t soften properly from the sauce alone.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use meatless ground beef or cooked lentils, and you’ll still get that savory, comforting flavor.
3. What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar gives it that classic burger flavor, but mozzarella adds melty texture. Feel free to mix and match!
4. How do I avoid watery casserole?
Be sure to drain your tomatoes and sauté any extra veggies before mixing them in.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use two baking dishes or a deep lasagna-style pan, and adjust bake time as needed.
Cheesy, Savory, and Weeknight-Ready
This cheeseburger casserole is everything I want in a cozy dinner—easy, cheesy, and super satisfying.
It’s one of those meals that feels nostalgic and new at the same time, and honestly, it’s even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself, this one’s a guaranteed hit.