Hearty Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

The Zesty Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Every Family Loves

Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole recipe that brings together all the classic flavors you love.

Layers of seasoned ground beef meld perfectly with gooey melted cheese and tender pasta.

Every bite packs a punch of hearty, satisfying goodness that reminds you of backyard barbecues and summer gatherings.

This dish turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that disappears quickly from the dinner table.

The simple yet robust combination of ingredients creates a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Rich, cheesy, and totally irresistible, this casserole promises to become a new weeknight favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to make dinner magic happen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Cheeseburger Casserole Shine

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and meaty texture; choose lean cuts for healthier option.
For Seasoning Enhancers:
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Oregano, Lawry's Salt, Black Pepper: Creates deep, savory flavor profile; use fresh herbs for more vibrant taste.
For Liquid and Texture Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Juice: Adds moisture and tangy brightness; select ripe, high-quality canned tomatoes.
For Pasta Base:
  • Egg Noodles: Delivers comforting, soft foundation; choose wide noodles for better sauce absorption.
For Topping and Binding:
  • Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty finish; select sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
For Cooking Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures easy dish release and prevents sticking; use neutral, non-stick spray.

What You’ll Need to Prepare Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly and developing rich flavors.
  • Medium pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with precise water and salt measurements.
  • 8×13 baking dish: Provides ideal space for layering and baking the casserole.
  • Cooking spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking in the baking dish.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring meat and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
  • Measuring spoons: Accurate for adding salt and measuring seasonings.

How to Build Cheeseburger Casserole from Scratch

  • Meat Foundation

Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking up chunks until fully cooked and no pink remains.

  • Flavor Infusion

Add tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and seasonings to the meat. Simmer the mixture to develop rich, deep flavors.

  • Pasta Preparation

Boil noodles in salted water until tender and perfectly cooked.

  • Casserole Assembly

Combine meat sauce with cooked noodles, mixing thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.

  • Cheese Topping

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, generously sprinkle cheese across the top.

  • Final Bake

Place in a preheated oven and bake until cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Flavor Tips for Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of monterey jack and cheddar to customize the casserole's taste profile and add exciting depth.
  • Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the meat-cooking stage for enhanced flavor and added nutrients.
  • Sprinkle crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers on top of the cheese before baking to create a delightful crispy texture that adds excitement to each bite.
  • Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven and bake for slightly longer to ensure it's heated thoroughly and the cheese melts perfectly.

Serving Cheeseburger Casserole to Please Everyone

  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and tangy pickle spears for a complete meal that'll make everyone's taste buds dance.
  • Family Feast Style: Create a build-your-own topping bar with chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips to let everyone customize their plate.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Companion: Pair this comforting casserole with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra warmth to the meal.
  • Leftover Love Hack: Store cooled casserole in airtight containers for quick lunch portions that reheat beautifully in the microwave for up to 3 days.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate Smartly: Keep cheeseburger casserole in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Freeze for Later: Package individual or family-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, lasting up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Hearty Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty cheeseburger casserole delivers classic American comfort cuisine in one satisfying pan. Melted cheese, ground beef, and crispy tater tots combine for a crowd-pleasing meal seasoned with nostalgia and guaranteed to satisfy hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) sharp cheddar, grated
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) wide egg noodles
  • 1 can (29 oz / 822 grams) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp (5 milliliters) dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tsps (7.5 milliliters) Lawry’s seasoning salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 milliliters) pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and gather all necessary cooking equipment.
  2. Meat Sautéing: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking down meat into fine pieces until completely cooked through and no pink remains.
  3. Flavor Development: Incorporate diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, Lawry’s seasoned salt, and black pepper into the meat. Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  4. Noodle Preparation: Boil noodles in salted water for 8 minutes until achieving perfect al dente texture, then drain thoroughly.
  5. Mixing Components: Combine cooked noodles with seasoned meat mixture, ensuring complete and even distribution of ingredients throughout the dish.
  6. Assembling Casserole: Transfer the combined noodle and meat mixture into a lightly greased 8×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
  7. Cheese Topping: Generously scatter shredded cheese over the entire casserole, creating a complete coverage layer.
  8. Final Baking: Place casserole in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese melts completely and develops a light golden-brown crust.

Notes

  • Meat Browning Tip: Ensure ground beef is completely browned with no pink spots for food safety and optimal flavor development.
  • Noodle Texture Alert: Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness, maintaining a perfect bite in the final casserole.
  • Cheese Melting Strategy: Spread cheese evenly for uniform melting and golden-brown top that delivers delicious crispy edges.
  • Seasoning Balance: Adjust Worcestershire sauce and seasonings to taste, allowing personal preference to shine through the dish’s rich flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star