Ultimate Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe – Easy, Cheesy & Comforting
If you’re craving the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger but want a comforting twist, then this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is perfect for you! This dish combines all the delicious elements of a burger—ground beef, cheese, pasta, and seasonings—into a hearty, oven-baked casserole. It’s quick, family-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Whether you call it a burger casserole, hamburger and cheese casserole, or just a cheesy comfort food favorite, this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole
- One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup and minimal effort.
- Family Favorite – Perfect for both kids and adults.
- Versatile – Add extra veggies, swap pasta, or make it spicier.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
🥘 Ingredients for Cheeseburger Casserole
To make the best cheeseburger casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or penne work great)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
👉 Optional add-ins: bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, or pickles for that real burger vibe.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook until browned.
Step 3: Add Tomato Base
Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the flavors combine.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Beef
Add the cooked pasta into the beef mixture. Mix well so that the pasta soaks up the sauce.
Step 5: Layer & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella generously on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Your cheeseburger casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Pickles on the side for a true cheeseburger taste
📝 Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Creamy – Add a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Extra Flavor – Add bacon bits or jalapeños for a spicy cheeseburger casserole.
- Meal Prep Friendly – This dish freezes well, so make extra for later.
❓ FAQs About Cheeseburger Casserole
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Ans. Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze cheeseburger casserole?
Ans. Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
3. What pasta works best?
Ans. Elbow macaroni is classic, but penne or rotini hold sauce beautifully too.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This easy cheeseburger casserole recipe is a comforting twist on a classic burger. With cheesy layers, seasoned beef, and tender pasta, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
If you’re searching for the best cheeseburger casserole, this is it. Try it once, and it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
Ultimate Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe – Easy, Cheesy & Comforting
Course: Dinner Recipes, RecipesDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
40
minutes300
Cheeseburger Casserole is a family-favorite comfort food that combines juicy ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese in one hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or penne work great)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Cook pasta – Boil pasta as per package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef – In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add flavor – Stir in tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes), ketchup, mustard, and seasonings. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine – Mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Layer in casserole dish – Spread half of the mixture in a greased baking dish, top with shredded cheese, then repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
- Bake – Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh herbs or pickles (optional) and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Meat Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Pasta Choice: Elbow macaroni works best, but any short pasta like penne or rotini is fine.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but a mix of mozzarella and cheddar makes it extra gooey.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. Just bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.