What if your favorite burger could be eaten with a spoon? Meet the Cheeseburger Casserole—a bubbling, golden-brown bake that captures everything we love about a classic cheeseburger, layered with tender pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s weeknight-friendly comfort food at its best, perfect for when you want the flavor of a burger without manning the grill.

Behind the Recipe

This dish started out as a way to stretch a pound of ground beef to feed a full table. I was craving the comfort of a cheeseburger but wanted something oven-baked and cozy. I tossed pasta with beef, onions, cheese, and a bit of ketchup and mustard, popped it into the oven, and the result was magic—cheesy, savory, nostalgic. It’s been a family favorite ever since, and I’ve shared it with countless friends who now swear by it on busy nights.

Origins & Fun Trivia

While casseroles are distinctly American comfort food, this one is like a mash-up between pasta bake and diner-style cheeseburger. Think of it as a nod to 1950s potluck culture, where creativity met convenience. The flavors—beef, onion, cheddar, tomato, mustard—are pure cheeseburger, but the format is nostalgic, homey casserole. It’s old-school in the best possible way.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Casserole

Familiar Flavors: It’s like your favorite burger, but forkable and oven-baked
Easy to Make: Pantry staples and one pan do the heavy lifting
Budget-Friendly: Feeds a crowd on a dime
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love it
Leftovers Are Awesome: Reheats like a dream
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead or freezing

Chef’s Pro Tips for Success

Undercook the pasta slightly—it finishes cooking in the oven and stays firm
Season beef well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for burger vibes
Use cheddar cheese for that classic cheeseburger flavor
Add ketchup and mustard to the sauce—it makes it taste like the real thing
Top with pickles or crispy onions after baking for texture and flavor

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet
Large pot (for boiling pasta)
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Grater (if shredding cheese yourself)

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Casserole

Ground beef (80/20): 1 pound – juicy and flavorful
Yellow onion: 1 medium, chopped – brings depth and sweetness
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – classic aroma
Pasta (elbow or rotini): 12 oz – holds the sauce well
Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded – melts like a dream
Milk: 1/2 cup – makes the sauce creamy
Sour cream or cream cheese: 1/2 cup – adds richness
Ketchup: 1/4 cup – brings that burger tang
Yellow mustard: 1 tablespoon – essential burger zip
Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon – umami booster
Paprika: 1 teaspoon – smoky warmth
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: Diced dill pickles, crushed potato chips, crispy onions, extra cheese

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef: Try ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
Cheddar: Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor
Sour cream: Greek yogurt or cream cheese also work
Gluten-free pasta: Swap for your favorite brand

Ingredient Spotlight

Ketchup & Mustard might sound odd in a casserole, but this combo pulls the dish squarely into cheeseburger territory. That sweet-tangy zip makes the flavors pop in just the right way
Cheddar Cheese brings not just meltability but flavor depth that balances the richness of the meat and pasta

Instructions for Cheeseburger Casserole

Now let’s bring it together in the kitchen. Here are the steps you’re going to follow:

Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are soft. Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes

Make the Sauce: Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, milk, sour cream, and paprika. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted and creamy

Assemble the Dish: In the casserole dish, combine cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Mix gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top

Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top

Finishing Touches: Let cool for 5 minutes. Top with diced pickles or crispy onions if using. Serve warm

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Creamy and Cheesy: Sour cream and milk make it rich but not too heavy
Meaty and Savory: The beef is seasoned just like a classic burger
Soft with a Bit of Bite: Pasta is tender but holds its shape
Tangy and Sweet: The sauce has that burger-style zing from ketchup and mustard

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated cheese for better melt
Let the casserole rest before slicing—it helps set the layers
Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick

What to Avoid

Don’t overcook pasta—it will turn mushy during baking
Avoid using pre-shredded cheese—it has anti-caking agents that affect melting
Don’t skip seasoning—the beef and sauce should taste like a burger on their own

Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)

Calories: ~480
Protein: ~25g
Fat: ~25g
Carbs: ~40g

Values will vary based on portion size and substitutions

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Assemble ahead and refrigerate unbaked up to 24 hours
Bake straight from fridge (add 5–10 minutes to bake time)
Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 days, and freeze well up to 2 months
Reheat covered in oven or microwave with a splash of milk for moisture

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve with a crisp green salad
Pickles or coleslaw
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Cold lemonade or a classic cola

Variations to Try

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add cooked chopped bacon
Loaded Cheeseburger: Mix in chopped tomatoes and relish
Spicy Southwest: Add taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese
Sloppy Joe Casserole: Sub tomato sauce and bell peppers for a saucier version

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes—penne, rotini, or shells all work well

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Freeze after assembling or after baking. Wrap well and label

How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave covered or bake at 350°F until heated through

Is this kid-friendly?
Extremely! You can leave out mustard if your kids are sensitive to tangy flavors

Can I add veggies?
Definitely! Try peas, bell peppers, or shredded zucchini

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger Casserole is everything you love about fast-food comfort, reimagined as a hearty, forkable bake. It’s unfussy, satisfying, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a game-day potluck, this is the kind of dish that disappears fast—so maybe go ahead and make a double batch.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe