If you’re a fan of comforting, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinners, get ready for a new family favorite: Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole! This all-in-one dish brings everything you love about a classic cheeseburger and transforms it into a bubbly, golden baked casserole that’s as satisfying as it is simple. With juicy ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and two layers of gooey cheddar cheese, every bite bursts with cozy flavor. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or hungry adults, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that’s both freezer-friendly and fabulous for leftovers.

Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on everyday ingredients that come together to create pure comfort food magic. Each one plays a small but essential role in building that signature cheeseburger taste, hearty texture, and classic color.

Ground beef: A pound of lean ground beef gives you that juicy, savory base reminiscent of your favorite burger with not too much grease.
Onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle bite; cooking it down mellows the sharpness.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves infuse the casserole with warm, mouthwatering depth.
Diced tomatoes (15-ounce can, drained): Brings a juicy tang and bright pops of tomato flavor to every forkful.
Tomato sauce (8-ounce can): Helps everything meld together while delivering that saucy, classic burger vibe.
Ketchup: Just a splash makes things even more nostalgic—think “secret sauce” in casserole form.
Mustard: Provides a zesty, creamy balance to the sweet and salty flavors.
Elbow macaroni (cooked al dente): The ideal pasta for texture—firm enough to hold together but soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): One generous layer inside and another golden crust on top equals maximum cheesiness.
Olive oil: Helps saute everything smoothly and brings a subtle richness.
Worcestershire sauce: A little goes a long way to add savory umami depth—like smoky grill flavor in each bite.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to highlight all the bold flavors.
Smoked paprika: Just half a teaspoon adds gentle warmth and color, hinting at a flame-grilled burger.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A handful of fresh green parsley brightens up the whole dish and makes it pop at the table.

How to Make Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about three minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute—this step wakes up those aromatics and lays the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet along with your salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it browns, making sure it’s cooked through with no pink remaining. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it so your casserole isn’t greasy but still nice and juicy.

Step 3: Build the Burger-Inspired Sauce

It’s time to stir in the sauce ingredients: add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. Let it all simmer for about five minutes so the flavors can mingle—imagine the aroma of your favorite burger joint filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Mix with Macaroni and Cheese

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the cooked elbow macaroni and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is totally combined and the cheese begins to melt—this is where the magic happens, transforming those classic flavors into irresistible comfort food.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your cheesy beef and macaroni mixture. Spread it out evenly before sprinkling the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese right over the top. Slide it into the oven uncovered and bake for about twenty minutes, or until it’s bubbly at the edges and gloriously golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Pull your Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole from the oven and scatter chopped parsley over everything. Serve it piping hot and enjoy every bite as that melty cheese stretches from fork to plate. Pure comfort in a casserole dish!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate what a handful of fresh garnish can do! Chopped parsley brings color and freshness, but you can really play with toppings: try diced pickles for that classic burger tang, a drizzle of creamy ranch, or even a scattering of crispy onions for extra crunch. Each little touch brings out something special in your Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with quick sides! Simple green salads, steamed veggies, or roasted broccoli add freshness and keep things balanced. If you’re aiming for a true burger night feast, serve with homemade potato wedges or baked sweet potato fries—there’s no such thing as too much comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

Fun presentations make mealtime memorable! Scoop your casserole into little ramekins for individual portions, or even add a toasted hamburger bun half underneath each serving for a whimsical twist. For gatherings, offer a toppings bar with sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickles so everyone can build their own cheeseburger-inspired plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is practically a gift from your past self. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully, making next-day lunches just as comforting as dinner.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! After baking, let it cool completely, then either wrap the whole dish tightly or portion into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When it comes time to reheat, simply cover your portion with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for that delicious melty finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter options and work seamlessly in this Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole. You might find turkey or chicken less fatty than beef, so consider adding a splash of olive oil to keep things moist and rich.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

This dish is almost tailor-made for kids! Its familiar flavors, tender pasta, and gooey cheese make Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole a hit with picky eaters and grownups alike—expect clean plates all round.

How can I make it creamier?

If you love an ultra-creamy casserole, stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese right before baking. This extra step blends in effortlessly and takes Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole to a whole new level of indulgence.

Can I add vegetables like bell pepper or mushrooms?

Definitely! Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach fold in beautifully and boost the nutrition without overpowering the classic burger flavor. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for an effortless veggie upgrade.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble your Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate without baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake uncovered as directed—just add 5-10 extra minutes since it will be starting from cold.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like digging into a bubbling dish of Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole to remind you how much joy comfort food can bring. I hope this recipe finds a happy home in your dinner rotation—give it a try and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen!

Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious and satisfying family-friendly meal that combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting casserole dish. It’s a simple and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon mustard
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Combine with macaroni and cheese: Add cooked macaroni and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until combined.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.