If you’re craving a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and sure to please, look no further than this cheeseburger casserole. Combining the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting goodness of a casserole, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner. It’s packed with ground beef, creamy cheese, and pasta, making it a satisfying one-pot meal.

Cheeseburger Casserole

One of the best things about this cheeseburger casserole is its simplicity. With just a few common ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The rich blend of ground beef, onions, garlic, and cheese creates a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner. Plus, the addition of bacon gives it that extra savory kick that takes it over the top.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s preferences by adding vegetables, swapping out the type of cheese, or even using ground turkey instead of beef. It’s a fantastic way to use up pantry staples and create a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. So, grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a new family favorite that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

If you love hearty casseroles, be sure to check out our taco casserole and our turkey casserole.

What Will Someone Love About This Recipe

What will someone love about this cheeseburger casserole recipe? For starters, it combines all the best elements of a cheeseburger in a convenient, one-dish meal. The savory ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy bacon create a rich, satisfying flavor that’s hard to resist. Additionally, the creamy pasta adds a comforting texture, making each bite a perfect blend of taste and comfort.

Another thing to love is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an excellent option for busy families or anyone looking for a quick, hearty dinner.

Finally, this recipe is highly customizable. You can tailor it to your taste by adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, using different types of cheese, or even substituting ground turkey for a leaner option. This flexibility makes it a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and cravings.

What is Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger casserole is very similar to hamburger helper but so much better. It is made with ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato paste, elbow macaroni, beef stock, sour cream, heavy cream, cheese, bacon, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Ingredients:

1 Pound Ground Beef
½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
½ Large Onion, Diced
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 ½ Tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
12 Ounces Elbow Macaroni
3 Cups Beef Stock
½ Cup Sour Cream
¼ Cup Heavy Cream
2 ½ Cups Shredded Cheddar
4 Ounces Cooked Bacon, Chopped

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and worcestershire sauce until well combined with the beef and onions.

Add the beef stock and elbow macaroni to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

To the skillet, add the sour cream and heavy cream, stir to combine and allow to come to a simmer.

Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.

Top the skillet with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the chopped bacon. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Use High-Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. If you prefer a richer flavor, a mix of ground beef and ground pork can also work wonderfully.
Cheese Choice: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of mozzarella for added creaminess and flavor.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. They blend well with the beef and pasta, adding both flavor and nutrients.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent your casserole from becoming too mushy, cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven.
Crisp the Bacon Separately: For the best texture, cook and crisp the bacon separately before adding it as a topping. This keeps it crunchy and flavorful.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before the baking step. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it in the oven until heated through and bubbly.
Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so don’t hesitate to make a larger batch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before baking or after. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and freeze. Thaw and reheat in the oven until hot.

Using lean ground beef helps reduce greasiness. Additionally, you can drain any excess fat after browning the beef before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Reheating

You can reheat this dish in the oven or the microwave. Reheat to your desired temperature.

Cheeseburger Casserole

Name: Cheeseburger Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 Pound Ground Beef; ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt; ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper; ½ Large Onion, Diced; 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced; 1 ½ Tablespoons Tomato Paste; 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce; 12 Ounces Elbow Macaroni; 3 Cups Beef Stock; ½ Cup Sour Cream; ¼ Cup Heavy Cream; 2 ½ Cups Shredded Cheddar; 4 Ounces Cooked Bacon, Chopped

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal that allows you to feed your family in less than an hour. With simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, tomato paste, onion, garlic, sour cream, heavy cream, cheese, bacon, and spices you'll be hearing your family rave about your homemade hamburger helper every single time.

Ingredients

1 Pound Ground Beef
½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
½ Large Onion, Diced
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 ½ Tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
12 Ounces Elbow Macaroni
3 Cups Beef Stock
½ Cup Sour Cream
¼ Cup Heavy Cream
2 ½ Cups Shredded Cheddar
4 Ounces Cooked Bacon, Chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and worcestershire sauce until well combined with the beef and onions.
Add the beef stock and elbow macaroni to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
To the skillet, add the sour cream and heavy cream, stir to combine and allow to come to a simmer.
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.
Top the skillet with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the chopped bacon. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 672Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 1058mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 44g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Cheeseburger Casserole