Imagine all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger combined with the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta bake. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole. This recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner solution, coming together quickly and satisfying even the pickiest eaters in the family. It’s a one-dish wonder that captures the essence of American comfort food, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to meal!
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
There are so many reasons to adore this beefy, cheesy dish. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to the dinner table every time.
The Key Ingredients for Your Casserole
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet flavorful components. We’re using pantry staples to create something truly special. For a similar comforting dish, you might also enjoy this classic baked macaroni and cheese.
For the Casserole Base
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) works best to provide flavor without being overly greasy.
- Pasta: A short, sturdy pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini is ideal as it holds the sauce perfectly.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavor of the entire dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds moisture, tang, and a classic burger-like element.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides the bold, classic cheeseburger flavor. Freshly grated cheese will melt much better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Milk & Flour: These create a simple béchamel base, ensuring the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Ketchup & Mustard: A touch of ketchup and yellow mustard infuses the sauce with that unmistakable burger taste.
How to Make This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
This simple process will have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Our step-by-step guide to making the best Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole ensures you get a perfect result every single time. It’s as easy as browning beef, making a sauce, and baking to perfection.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole
To elevate your casserole from great to unforgettable, keep these tips in mind. First, always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. Second, don’t overcook your pasta initially; it will continue to cook in the oven, and you want to avoid it becoming mushy. Finally, feel free to add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef for an extra layer of savory depth.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture or sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Spicy Version: Incorporate a diced jalapeño with the onion or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. For another spicy favorite, check out this fiery chicken ramen recipe.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers can be added with the ground beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes. A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of garlic bread are all excellent choices to round out your dinner. For a fresh and light side, this cucumber and sweet pepper salad is a perfect match.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage is key to enjoying this casserole later. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your dish fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing for Later
This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze the entire dish or individual portions. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a larger amount, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken are great substitutes for ground beef in this recipe. The cooking process remains the same.
Yes, this is a great freezer meal. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Sturdy, short pasta shapes work best because they hold the creamy sauce well. We recommend using elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or medium shells.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy casserole, be sure to explore some of our other family-friendly dinner recipes. There’s always something new and delicious to discover!
We hope you love this Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole as much as we do! It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. If you try it, please leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see it!
Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole Recipe
Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- To the skillet with the ground beef, add the cooked pasta, the undrained diced tomatoes, and the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to top the casserole with classic burger toppings like diced pickles, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce after baking.
