If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect family dinner. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, this one-pot meal delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, cheesy, and packed with classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Made in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly and family-approved.
- Great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni
- Fresh parsley or sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- If you prefer a browned cheese topping, preheat the oven to broil.
- Dice the onion and shred the cheddar cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and ground beef. Cook while breaking the beef into small pieces.
- Season with granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6–7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Add 3¼ cups beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, the remaining salt, and remaining pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional broth if needed until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar until melted. This creates the creamy texture that makes this Cheeseburger Casserole irresistible.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Cover for about 3 minutes until melted, or broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, bubbly topping.
- Garnish with parsley or scallions before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Lean ground beef keeps the casserole rich without becoming greasy.
- Add diced pickles before serving for a cheeseburger-inspired twist.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
- For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or onion powder.
- Swap cheddar with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack if desired.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (Optional Broil)
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-free
Notes
- Garnish with chopped parsley, scallions, or diced pickles.
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Add crispy fried onions for extra texture.
- A dash of hot sauce adds a pleasant kick.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
FAQ
Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before reheating.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the classic cheeseburger flavor, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend also work well.
Can I use different pasta?
Yes. Small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or cavatappi work well with this recipe.
How do I make it creamier?
Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheddar.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.
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Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
- 2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups beef broth divided
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni
- Fresh parsley or sliced scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- If you prefer a browned cheese topping, preheat the oven to broil.
- Dice the onion and shred the cheddar cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and ground beef. Cook while breaking the beef into small pieces.
- Season with granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6–7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Add 3¼ cups beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, the remaining salt, and remaining pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional broth if needed until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar until melted. This creates the creamy texture that makes this Cheeseburger Casserole irresistible.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Cover for about 3 minutes until melted, or broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, bubbly topping.
- Garnish with parsley or scallions before serving.
Notes
- Garnish with chopped parsley, scallions, or diced pickles.
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Add crispy fried onions for extra texture.
- A dash of hot sauce adds a pleasant kick.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Casserole combines everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger with the comfort of cheesy pasta in one easy dish. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, hearty enough to satisfy the whole family, and delicious enough to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.