Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the mouthwatering flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, hearty dish, then this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious blend of tender elbow macaroni, perfectly seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, and a gooey cheese topping that melts beautifully in your oven. This casserole offers all the nostalgic goodness of a cheeseburger but in a warm, sliceable form that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, accessible ingredients come together to create the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish a standout. Each element plays a vital role—from the tender pasta that soaks up the savory beef sauce to the melted cheeses that deliver the perfect golden topping.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto every bit of sauce.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
• 1 small onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a fragrant punch to the casserole.
• 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that delivers hearty flavor to the dish.
• ¼ cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (drained): Freshness and a slight tang that brighten the casserole.
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami boost and depth.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that complements the tomato and beef perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle, warming spice.
• ½ cup beef broth: Keeps the meat mixture juicy and flavorful.
• ½ cup dill pickles (chopped): Injects the signature tangy crunch that cheeseburgers are famous for.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey richness that pulls everything together.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and that iconic cheeseburger taste.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to make sure your casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve up.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. This pasta will soak up all those wonderful, saucy flavors later on.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, draining excess grease if it starts piling up. This step develops a deep savory base for your casserole.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Toss diced onion into the browned beef and cook until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—this will release that mouthwatering aroma that’s the prelude to something delicious.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Mix in the tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes before adding the beef broth. This slow melding of ingredients creates the hearty, flavorful sauce that ties the whole dish together.

Step 6: Add the Dill Pickles

Stir the chopped dill pickles into the skillet, ensuring their tangy bite is evenly distributed—this little twist is what sets this cheeseburger casserole apart from any typical pasta bake.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture

In a large bowl or directly in the skillet, mix the cooked elbow macaroni with the beef and tomato sauce until every piece is lovingly coated in that savory, tangy goodness.

Step 8: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top—this cheesy layer will melt into a perfect, bubbly crust when baked.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for about 5 minutes when you take it out to make serving cleaner and easier. Then dive right in and enjoy!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Add a fresh sprinkle of chopped green onions or a few extra pickle slices on top just before serving to give the dish a cool contrast and extra crunch. A drizzle of ketchup or mustard on the side can also amplify that cheeseburger vibe in a fun and tasty way.

Side Dishes

Complement your hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies to balance the richness. If you want to stay fully classic, some crispy oven-baked fries or onion rings make excellent accompaniments that echo the spirit of a burger joint meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, serve the Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe straight from the baking dish with a big serving spoon. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for a charming personal touch that’s fun for kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days and still taste fantastic when reheated.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the cheese is again delightfully melty.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and holds the sauce well, small shells, rotini, or penne can also work beautifully to capture all the cheeseburger flavors.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef or toss in some diced jalapeños with the pickles to give it a fun, spicy kick.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest of the ingredients remain the same to keep that rich, comforting flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to bake and serve—perfect for busy weeknights or party prep.

What cheese blend works best in this recipe?

The combination of mozzarella and cheddar gives you both melty stretch and sharp cheeseburger flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you like a little extra zing.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe wins hearts by combining comforting pasta, juicy beef, tangy pickles, and gooey cheese into one unforgettable dish. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a go-to when you want something hearty and satisfying without the fuss. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be sharing this recipe with friends and family again and again!

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