If you’re on the hunt for a comforting family dinner that hits all the right notes of cheesy, hearty, and unbelievably fuss-free, Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is your new go-to. Imagine all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—rich beef, savory onions, tangy pickles, and plenty of gooey cheddar—tumbled together in a one-pan, pasta-packed wonder. This dish is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed, and it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each component plays a role, contributing to the layers of savoriness, creaminess, and that signature cheeseburger flair that makes this dish impossible to resist.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, rich base—feel free to swap for turkey or chicken if you like!
- Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that rounds out the flavors.
- Garlic: For an aromatic boost that brings the savory notes front and center.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental for highlighting all the savory goodness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Gives a mysterious umami punch reminiscent of your favorite burger.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: With their juices, these add tangy brightness and ensure the dish stays moist.
- Ketchup: Brings classic burger tang and just a hint of sweet.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds a gentle tanginess you’d expect from any cheeseburger.
- Uncooked Elbow Macaroni: The pasta soaks up all the meaty, cheesy flavors and bulks up the casserole perfectly.
- Beef Broth: Not only cooks the macaroni but deepens the beefy flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because what’s a cheeseburger without lots of melty, glorious cheese?
- Chopped Pickles & Green Onions (optional): For that finishing touch of freshness and a fun, retro diner look.
How to Make Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. When the meat is browned and cooked through, drain off any excess fat. This step sets the foundation for ultimate flavor, so be generous with your browning for those lovely caramelized bits.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic straight into the pan with the beef. Stir and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion turns soft and the kitchen starts to smell irresistible. These aromatics set the tone for that classic cheeseburger taste.
Step 3: Season and Build Flavor
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, followed by the Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir so that every piece of beef is seasoned. The Worcestershire amps up the savory, deep flavors that remind you of a juicy burger fresh off the grill.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Ketchup, and Mustard
Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all, and then add your ketchup and yellow mustard. Stir these into the mixture, letting the tomatoes break down a bit and all the saucy goodness meld together. Your kitchen will start to smell a lot like your favorite burger joint!
Step 5: Mix in Macaroni and Broth
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and pour in the beef broth. Mix to combine. Let the whole mixture come up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a steady simmer. Cover the pan and let everything cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender and has soaked up all those incredible flavors.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
When the pasta is perfect, take the pan off the heat and stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the casserole, transforming it into a creamy, dreamy masterpiece. Scatter the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly across the top. For an extra-melty finish, cover the pan to let the cheese melt, or slide it under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Add Toppings & Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped pickles and green onions if you like a bit of crunch and zing. Serve your Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole piping hot, and watch how fast it disappears!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
Garnishes
For that extra pop of flavor and texture, garnish with diced dill pickles and a handful of sliced green onions right before serving. These toppings recreate the full cheeseburger experience and add a delightful bite and burst of color to the dish.
Side Dishes
Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables if you want something light. Feeling indulgent? Serve with classic French fries or homemade potato wedges to play up the diner vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon individual portions into small ramekins for a fun twist, or set up a topping bar with extra pickles, tomatoes, crispy bacon bits, and shredded lettuce so everyone can customize their serving. Serve leftovers tucked into warm hamburger buns for a playful lunchbox surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole stores beautifully. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—it actually tastes even better as the flavors meld!
Freezing
If you want to save some for busy nights, portion your cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave portions gently, stirring halfway through, or transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil to warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep things nice and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Any short pasta like shells or rotini will soak up the flavors beautifully. Just adjust the cook time as needed since different shapes can cook at slightly different rates.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd! Use a larger skillet or divide between two pans, and make sure not to overcrowd the pot so the pasta cooks evenly.
Is this casserole spicy?
It’s designed to be kid-friendly and not at all spicy, but you can easily add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or some chopped jalapeños for a little extra heat if you like things kicked up a notch.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Just swap the regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free. The result is every bit as cozy and delicious!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You sure can—make the casserole up to the point before adding the final cheese topping, then store covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven and finish with that cheesy top for maximum melty goodness.
Final Thoughts
Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is the dinner that brings people together: comforting, simple, and delightfully crave-worthy. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation. Happy cooking!
Print
Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a simple stovetop dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this cheesy casserole is sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped pickles and green onions for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add Onion & Seasonings: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened. Stir in salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard to the skillet. Stir in macaroni and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Remove from heat; stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Finish & Serve: Cover until cheese melts. Optionally, broil for a bubbly top. Garnish with pickles and green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Enhance flavor with hot sauce or smoked paprika.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a delicious next-day lunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
