Imagine the best parts of a juicy cheeseburger melty cheese, savory beef, a touch of ketchup and mustard baked into a cozy casserole dish. That’s this Cheeseburger Casserole. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without flipping patties at the stove. With pasta baked right in, this dish is equal parts lazy dinner and family favorite.
Serving Versatility
This casserole is wonderfully flexible. Scoop it over a bed of rice for extra comfort, serve with garlic bread for a diner-style vibe, or pair it with fresh burger sides like pickles, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies. You can even make it lighter with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a healthy hamburger recipe twist
📝 Full Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (hamburger)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or penne work great)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup milk
- Optional toppings: pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, milk, and 1 cup shredded cheddar. Mix until creamy.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fun toppings (pickles, lettuce, extra ketchup drizzle) before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~420 per serving
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ⏱ Quick preparation – ready in 40 minutes.
- 💵 Budget-friendly – uses simple pantry and fridge staples.
- 🧀 Big, cozy flavor – everything you love about a cheeseburger in one dish.
- 🥦 Nutritional value – can be lightened up with lean beef or veggie add-ins.
- 🎨 Customizable – load it up with pickles, bacon, or extra veggies.
🍳 Cultural / Cooking Note
Casseroles have long been a classic American weeknight solution, born from the need to feed families quickly with pantry staples. This cheeseburger pasta casserole is a modern twist on that tradition bringing diner flavors into one comforting pan.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- With a side salad and dill pickles for a true diner-style dinner.
- Scooped into buttered buns like a sloppy joe casserole.
- Paired with sweet potato fries for a fun twist.
- Served with roasted green beans or broccoli for balance.
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Success
- Use sharp cheddar for the best cheeseburger flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta keep it slightly firm so it holds up in the oven.
- Add toppings right before serving to keep lettuce or pickles fresh.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Closing Paragraph
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a lazy dinner that doesn’t feel lazy at all it’s bubbly, hearty, and sure to bring smiles around the table. Try it your way, load it with your favorite toppings, and let it become one of your weeknight go-to’s.
👉 Don’t forget to share, rate, and leave a comment below I’d love to hear your favorite way to serve it!
🎀 Final Thoughts (Emma’s Voice)
There’s just something about cheeseburger flavors baked into pasta that feels like coming home. My kids always laugh when I sneak pickle slices on top, and it makes the whole dish feel like a diner classic. Give it a try this week and let it bring that same warm smile to your table.
✨ Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.
💌 If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry for another comforting favorite.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9×13 Casserole Dish
- Pot for Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef hamburger
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta elbow or penne
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 0.5 cup milk
Optional Toppings
- pickles sliced
- diced tomatoes
- shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta, milk, and 1 cup shredded cheddar. Mix until creamy.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with toppings like pickles, lettuce, or extra ketchup drizzle before serving.