The Best Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
One evening, I was craving a cheeseburger but didn’t feel like dealing with the mess of grilling or frying patties. I wanted something warm, cheesy, and comforting that I could throw together in one dish. That’s when I decided to make a cheeseburger casserole.This recipe combines everything you love about a cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta—into an easy, baked dish. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.