There’s something irresistibly cozy about this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe—it’s like your favorite comfort food all rolled into one easy, cheesy, satisfying dish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly became a weeknight staple in my kitchen.

This image shows a pot filled with macaroni mixed with ground meat, melted yellow cheese, and small pieces of tomato. The macaroni is soft and slightly curled, covered heavily with gooey, melted cheddar cheese that stretches as a spoon lifts out a serving. The ground meat is brown and crumbly, scattered evenly throughout the macaroni. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. The pot is white inside with an orange exterior handle, and it sits on a white marbled surface. The light highlights the melted cheese's shine and the stew's warmth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe has a special place in my heart because it captures that classic cheeseburger flavor in a warm, comforting casserole form. It’s a fuss-free dish that feels homey but also impressively flavorful.

One-Pot Convenience: You cook everything in one big pot, making cleanup way easier than messing with multiple pans.
Flavor Punch: The combination of sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste gives it that authentic, savory cheeseburger taste you crave.
Customizable Comfort: You can tweak the seasonings or add your favorite burger toppings right into the dish.
Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: It hits all the right notes for both picky eaters and adventurous adults alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Here’s why I love the lineup of ingredients in this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe and a few shopping tips to make sure you get the best results.

Flat lay of a halved medium yellow onion showing fresh layers, a small mound of finely shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a portion of raw lean ground beef shaped naturally, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red double concentrated tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with deep brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with diced red tomatoes with juices, a handful of dried elbow macaroni pasta, a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth—make sure to dice it finely so it cooks evenly with the beef.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I always pick sharp yellow cheddar for its bold flavor and meltiness. Grating it fresh makes a huge difference in texture.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and beef, it’s a simple way to build flavor from the start.
Lean Ground Beef: I prefer 90% lean for a nice balance of flavor and less grease—drain if needed.
Granulated Garlic: A great seasoning staple that brings warmth without overpowering.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning layers as you go to build that cheeseburger taste.
Tomato Paste: This little tube packs tons of umami and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret sauce that amps up the savory complexity to mimic that burger patty flavor.
Beef Broth: Liquid base that cooks the pasta and infuses the whole dish with beefy goodness—homemade or good-quality store-bought works.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds freshness and a bit of brightness to balance the richness.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice with its perfect shape for holding onto sauce—don’t overcook!
Fresh Parsley or Scallion (Optional): A light fresh garnish to brighten up each bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch up this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe just enough to suit the crowd I’m feeding. It’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity, so don’t be afraid to play around with it and make it feel like your own.

Variation: Once, I stirred in some diced jalapeños and a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy twist that my family absolutely devoured. Totally worth trying if you like a bit of heat!
Dietary Adjustments: Going low-carb? Swap the elbow macaroni for cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies—although the texture changes, the flavors are just as satisfying.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the beef for a veggie boost without losing that cheeseburger vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a rich pasta dish made of three layers: the first layer is curly pasta coated in red meat sauce, the second layer has browned ground meat mixed with the pasta, and the top layer is melted golden cheese with some browned spots. Small parsley leaves are scattered on top for a fresh green touch. On the side of the plate, two rows of bright sauces are placed: one red and one yellow, arranged in smooth squiggles. A silver fork rests on the right side, partially covered with the pasta mixture, all against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Brown the Beef

First things first: heat the olive oil in a big, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in your diced yellow onion and then add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with your wooden spoon. Season it immediately with granulated garlic, about a teaspoon of kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Cooking the onion and beef together helps layer in flavor while softening the onion just right. Cook for about 6–7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Don’t rush this step—those browned bits sticking to the pan add a ton of tasty depth.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Next, stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Let the tomato paste cook until it darkens slightly—around a minute—this develops that rich umami flavor everyone loves. Then pour in most of your beef broth (reserve a bit for later), the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, and sprinkle in the remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the whole mixture to a boil—that rolling boil is what will cook your pasta perfectly in the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add the dried elbow macaroni directly into the boiling sauce. This is the magic of the recipe—cooking pasta right in the sauce means it soaks up all those flavors while getting perfectly tender in about 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. If the liquid is absorbed before the pasta is soft, just add a little more beef broth, a few tablespoons at a time.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Finish

Once the macaroni is tender, remove the pot from heat and mix in most of the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a taste and season with extra salt or pepper if needed (I usually add a pinch more). Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. You can cover the pot and let the cheese melt gently off the heat, or for that gorgeous browned crust, pop the whole thing under the broiler for two to three minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

From my own experience making this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe, I learned a few tricks that really take it to the next level. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep stirring and add liquid if the sauce thickens too fast to avoid mushy noodles.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that affect melting, so grating your own cheddar makes the sauce silkier.
Beef Broth Quality Matters: Using a good beef broth (homemade or store-bought) really boosts that hearty flavor—water just doesn’t cut it here.
Broil for the Final Touch: If your skillet is broiler-safe, a quick broil melts the cheese perfectly and adds an irresistible crust.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

cheeseburger casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced scallions to add a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add a few dashes of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like simple green salads or steamed veggies like broccoli to balance the hearty cheeseburger flavors. Crispy oven fries on the side also make the meal feel indulgent and complete—not far from the traditional burger-and-fries combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served the casserole in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions. It’s fun, rustic, and makes guests feel special. Another idea is layering it in a clear casserole dish so everyone can admire the cheesy, saucy goodness before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even better than the first serving in my opinion.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I recommend portioning it out into freezer-safe containers before baking if you want quick grab-and-go meals. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered loosely with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. For larger portions, reheating gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth keeps it creamy without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor, you can mix in cheeses like mozzarella for extra meltiness or pepper jack for a bit of kick. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.

Is it okay to substitute other pasta shapes for elbow macaroni?

Yes! This dish is pretty forgiving. You can use shells, rotini, or even penne. Just make sure they are similar in cooking time so the pasta cooks evenly in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni. Just be aware that gluten-free pastas can vary in texture, so monitor cooking carefully to avoid mushiness.

What’s the best way to get a crispy top on this casserole?

Broiling the casserole uncovered for 2-3 minutes at the end is your best bet for that deliciously browned, bubbly cheese crust. Use a broiler-safe pan and watch closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I love how it’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share with friends or family. I hope you give it a try and find it becomes a go-to comfort dish in your home too.