Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
If you have ever craved the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger but wished it could be simpler and quicker to serve a crowd, then this Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a deliciously layered dish that brings together savory ground beef, melty cheddar, and tender pasta all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. This casserole captures everything loveable about a cheeseburger but with a hearty, cozy twist that makes weeknight dinners or casual gatherings incredibly satisfying with very little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple list fool you; each ingredient plays a vital role in building the casserole’s rich texture and classic cheeseburger flavor. Freshness and balance are key to making this dish sing—here’s what will get you there.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that delivers juicy, savory goodness and hearty substance.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef as it cooks.
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni: A perfect bite-sized pasta that soaks up all the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup: The secret weapon for creamy, cheesy richness.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the cheese soup just enough for smooth sauce consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top to create that irresistible golden crust.
- ¼ cup ketchup: Sprinkles in the tangy sweetness you expect in a cheeseburger.
- 1 tbsp mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness balancing the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to bring all flavors into perfect harmony.
- ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional): For a crunchy, briny pop that brightens every forkful.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking): Helps soften the onion and neatly brown the beef without sticking.
How to Make Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven ready early ensures your casserole bakes evenly and finishes just when everything is perfectly gooey and hot.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onion and ground beef. Cook them together until the beef turns a lovely brown and the onions soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the excess fat to keep the casserole rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Mix the Saucy Goodness
Stir into the skillet ketchup, mustard, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and milk. Sprinkle in salt and pepper according to your taste preference. This mixture is where the signature cheeseburger flavors shine, binding the savory with creamy in every bite.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Add your cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, mixing thoroughly so every noodle is coated with that luscious cheesy sauce. This step ensures every forkful will be full of cheesy, meaty flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking, then transfer the beef and pasta mix into it. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and if you love that classic cheeseburger tang, scatter the chopped pickles over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt completely, bubble up, and turn a beautiful inviting golden color—all signs your Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this casserole from amazing to unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and a fresh flavor burst. If you’re feeling playful, a few extra pickle slices or a drizzle of mustard adds that authentic cheeseburger vibe.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with crisp, cool sides rounds out the meal perfectly. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or classic coleslaw offers refreshing contrast. For extra comfort, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are fantastic vegetable choices that complement the cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests or family? Serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins for charming single-servings. You could also turn this into a potluck-friendly dish by adding a crunchy topping of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips before baking for added texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavors. Leftovers often taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save extras, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can last up to 2 months frozen. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave, checking in intervals to avoid drying out. Alternatively, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again, restoring that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and perfectly sized, feel free to swap in shells, rotini, or even penne. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente before mixing to avoid a mushy bake.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetarian cheddar cheese soup. The flavors stay just as rich and satisfying with this switch.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture will give your casserole a spicy kick without overwhelming the comforting cheeseburger taste.
What can I use if I don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup?
You can make a quick cheese sauce by melting cheddar cheese with a little milk and flour to thicken, then stirring it into the cooked beef and ketchup mixture. This homemade option tastes fresh and creamy.
How many servings does this casserole provide?
This recipe yields about six hearty servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. It’s easy to scale up or down if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you want a sure-fire winner that brings cheeseburger joy to the dinner table without hours of fuss, give this Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe a try. It’s a comforting, cheesy, and downright delicious meal that you’ll want to make again and again—trust me, it quickly becomes a beloved classic once you taste that perfect blend of flavors and textures.
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Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting baked pasta dish. Ground beef and onions are sautéed and mixed with cheddar cheese soup, ketchup, mustard, and cooked elbow macaroni, then topped with shredded cheddar and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers hearty, cheesy satisfaction in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional)
Pasta & Dairy
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- ½ cup milk
Condiments & Seasonings
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef & Onion: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and milk into the cooked beef and onions. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, mixing thoroughly until the pasta is completely coated with the cheesy beef mixture.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and add chopped pickles if using for extra tang.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, omit the pickles or substitute with diced tomatoes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to swap out elbow macaroni for any small pasta shape you prefer.
- You can add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a bit of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
