Cheeseburger Casserole: A Hearty, Cheesy Pasta Bake

If you love juicy cheeseburgers and creamy, cheesy pasta, then this Cheeseburger Casserole is about to become your new favorite comfort food! It’s a flavor-packed, oven-baked pasta dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and two types of gooey, melted cheese for the ultimate weeknight dinner.

This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd—whether you’re making dinner for your family, prepping for a potluck, or just craving a warm, cheesy meal. Best of all, it comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option for busy nights!

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, beefy, and comforting pasta bake:

For the Beef & Pasta Base:

✔ 1 lb lean ground beef – The heart of the dish, adding rich flavor.
✔ 1 medium onion, diced finely – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
✔ 1 tsp salt & ½ tsp ground black pepper – Essential seasonings.
✔ 2 tsp minced garlic – Because garlic makes everything better!
✔ 1 tsp Italian seasoning & 1 tsp garlic powder – For extra depth of flavor.
✔ ½ tsp chili powder – Adds a little warmth (optional but delicious!).
✔ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the savory beef flavor.
✔ 2 tbsp tomato paste – Gives a slight tangy richness.
✔ 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes – Adds texture and moisture.

For the Pasta & Sauce:

✔ 2 cups water – To cook the pasta right in the skillet.
✔ 3 beef bouillon cubes – Boosts the rich, meaty flavor.
✔ 2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried – Holds onto the sauce perfectly.
✔ 1 cup sour cream & ¼ cup whole milk – Makes the casserole extra creamy.

For the Cheesy Topping:

✔ 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully for a gooey topping.
✔ 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded – Adds sharp, bold cheeseburger flavor.
✔ 1 tbsp dried parsley – A little color and freshness for garnish.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Broth

Before we start cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

To make a rich, beefy broth, place 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl and add 3 beef bouillon cubes. Microwave for about 4 minutes, or until the cubes dissolve completely. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Cook the Onions

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Next, stir in:
✔ Diced onion
✔ Salt & black pepper
✔ Minced garlic
✔ Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder

Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Sauce & Pasta

Now it’s time to add the classic cheeseburger flavors!

• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes, mixing well to coat the beef.
• Pour in the prepared beef broth and add the elbow macaroni.
• Stir everything together, then cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

At this point, your kitchen will smell just like a classic cheeseburger!

In Part 1, we browned the beef, seasoned it with savory spices, and let the elbow macaroni simmer in a rich, beefy sauce. Now, it’s time to add the creamy sour cream mixture, layer on the cheese, and bake this casserole until it’s bubbly and golden!

Step 4: Stir in the Sour Cream & Milk

Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed the delicious sauce, it’s time to add a rich and creamy twist:

• Reduce the heat to low.
• Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and ¼ cup of whole milk, mixing well until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
• Let it simmer for another minute or two, just to warm through.

This step is what gives the casserole a silky, indulgent texture—just like the creamy sauce in a classic cheeseburger dip!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now, it’s time to build the layers for a perfectly cheesy, baked finish:

1️⃣ Layer half of the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
3️⃣ Add the remaining beef mixture, spreading it out into an even layer.
4️⃣ Top with the remaining shredded cheese, making sure to fully cover the casserole.

Pro Tip: If you love an extra crispy, cheesy topping, you can sprinkle an additional ¼ cup of shredded cheese before baking!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly & Golden

Now, it’s time to bring this casserole to life:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
• Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

For a golden-brown, crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven:

✔ Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dried parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
✔ Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.
✔ Serve warm and enjoy a big, cheesy, beefy bite of comfort food!

Serving Suggestions

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some great sides:

✔ A simple green salad – A fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
✔ Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
✔ Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies – A healthy side to balance the meal.

We’ve cooked the beefy, savory sauce, stirred in tender pasta and creamy sour cream, and baked everything under a gooey, golden cheese topping. Now, let’s go over some common questions, storage tips, and fun ways to customize this comforting dish to make it your own!

FAQ: Your Cheeseburger Casserole Questions Answered

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! If you want to prep in advance:
✔ Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
✔ When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

If you need to store it longer, check the freezing tips below!

2. Can I freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well, making it great for meal prep.
✔ To Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
✔ To Freeze After Baking: Let the casserole cool completely, then store portions in airtight containers and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?

✔ Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warm.
✔ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy.
✔ Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap it for:
✔ Rotini or penne – Holds onto sauce really well.
✔ Small shells – Adds a fun texture.
✔ Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta – For a healthier alternative.

5. Can I make this casserole spicier?

Definitely! If you love a little heat, try:
✔ Adding red pepper flakes or cayenne to the beef mixture.
✔ Mixing in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce before baking.
✔ Using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

6. What other toppings can I add?

✔ Crumbled bacon – Because bacon makes everything better!
✔ Pickles – Yes, really! Chopped dill pickles add a classic cheeseburger twist.
✔ Breadcrumbs – A crunchy topping for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate quick, easy, and family-friendly dinner that’s packed with cheesy, beefy, comforting flavors. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

✔ Simple ingredients, big flavor
✔ Cooks in one skillet & bakes in just 10 minutes
✔ Customizable to your taste

Whether you make this for your family, a potluck, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Did you add any special twists? Try a different cheese? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy cooking! 🍔🧀🍽✨

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