Cheeseburger Casserole

I made this cheeseburger casserole for the first time on a whim during a lazy Saturday afternoon because I was craving a burger but didn’t feel like grilling and I had pasta that needed to be used up and the result was such a hit that now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation. My kids couldn’t believe how much it tasted like an actual cheeseburger and I loved that it all came together in one dish with almost no mess.

Over the years I’ve played around with the ingredients and while the base stays classic – beef cheese and noodles – the toppings like pickles and breadcrumbs really make it special. It’s the kind of cozy comfort food that’s easy to throw together and even better the next day and I always look forward to the golden bubbly top straight from the oven.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ground beef – The hearty protein that gives this casserole its burger base.
• Onion – Adds flavor and depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic – Enhances the overall taste with aromatic notes.
• Pasta – Holds everything together and adds bulk.
• Cheddar cheese – Melts into the dish to bring creamy, tangy richness.
• Cream cheese – Creates a luscious texture that coats the pasta.
• Mustard – Gives it a classic cheeseburger flavor twist.
• Ketchup – Adds sweetness and that nostalgic burger taste.
• Dill pickles – Adds a tangy crunch that reminds you of a burger topping.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Baked on top for that crispy, golden finish.
• Butter – Used with the breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
• Salt and pepper – Balances and enhances all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet – Used to cook and flavor the beef and aromatics.
• Saucepan – For boiling the pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander – Drains pasta without losing any ingredients.
• Mixing spoon – To stir everything together easily.
• Baking dish – The final container where everything gets layered and baked.
• Oven mitts – Keeps hands safe when pulling the hot dish from the oven.
• Cheese grater – Perfect for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Cutting board and knife – For slicing onion, garlic, and pickles.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the pasta until just al dente and I drain it and set it aside while I prepare the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, I heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onions and garlic and I cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and then I season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauce

Once the beef is cooked I stir in the ketchup mustard and cream cheese until everything melts together and I love how creamy and flavorful the mixture becomes at this point.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

I add the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix it all together until each piece is coated in the cheesy beefy sauce and then I pour everything into a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings

Then I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and spread that evenly for a crispy finish and I add a few sliced pickles right on top for that fun cheeseburger touch.

Step 6: Bake

I bake the casserole in a 375°F oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy and then I let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips

If you want to make it even more like a burger I recommend adding cooked bacon pieces into the beef mixture. Sometimes I swap the cheddar for American cheese for that truly nostalgic flavor. And if you like spice try a bit of chopped jalapeño or hot sauce in the meat mixture. Leftovers also make a great lunch – they reheat beautifully in the microwave.

Ways to Serve

I love serving cheeseburger casserole with a crisp green salad or a simple coleslaw on the side. It also pairs perfectly with sweet potato fries or a handful of kettle chips. For a party twist serve it in muffin tins for individual mini casseroles that guests can grab and go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze cheeseburger casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking – just wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What kind of pasta works best for cheeseburger casserole?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni holds the sauce well and bakes evenly.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in cheeseburger casserole?

Absolutely, ground turkey is a great substitute and keeps it a bit lighter.

Do the pickles get soggy in cheeseburger casserole?

Not if you add them just before baking or after – they keep a nice texture and add a tangy bite.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this cheeseburger casserole a try! It’s a fun and easy twist on a classic that’s always a hit in my house and I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something cozy and cheesy this dish delivers every time.

Happy Cooking!

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