Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Bake

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly, feeds a crowd, and tastes like your favorite diner burger in casserole form—this Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Bake is it. Packed with cheesy goodness, tender pasta, savory beef, and tangy sauce, it’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: kid-approved, weeknight-friendly, and great for leftovers. You’ll love how easy this is!

This cheeseburger casserole captures everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—minus the bun—but adds that baked pasta coziness that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds). It’s also wonderfully flexible: you can make it spicy, sneak in some veggies, or switch up the cheese to suit your mood. Best of all? It only takes about 45 minutes start to finish.

Let’s dig in!

Ingredients

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Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy wonder:

• 1 lb ground beef – Go for 80/20 for a bit of richness, or use lean if you prefer something lighter.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds depth and sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Always a flavor booster.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Don’t drain them! The juices help form the base of the sauce.
• 1/4 cup ketchup – Brings that classic burger tang.
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard – Dijon works too, but yellow gives a true burger feel.
• 2 cups beef broth – Builds richness in the sauce.
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni – Other short pasta works too, like penne or rotini.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is perfect, but mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want extra zing.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
• Optional toppings: chopped pickles, fresh parsley, green onions, or even a light drizzle of extra mustard or ketchup.

You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!

Instructions

Let’s break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. You can use a large oven-safe skillet, a Dutch oven, or cook everything on the stove and transfer it to a baking dish.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a skillet that can go in the oven, you’ll save on dishes!
2. Sauté the aromatics. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent—about 4–5 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the beef. Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned all the way through. If there’s extra grease, feel free to drain it.
4. Build the sauce. Stir in the diced tomatoes (juice and all), ketchup, mustard, and beef broth. Mix everything well so the flavors combine into a rich, burger-inspired sauce.
5. Add the pasta. Toss in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. After about 8–10 minutes, the pasta should be just tender and the sauce nicely thickened.
6. Add cheese! Stir in about 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce. This gives the casserole that melty, gooey deliciousness we all love.
7. Bake. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese over the top. If your skillet is oven-safe, pop it straight in. Otherwise, transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden.
8. Garnish and serve. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes—chopped pickles, parsley, green onions, or a drizzle of mustard.

This dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

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This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few sides can really round out the meal:

• Crisp green salad – Toss some romaine with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for scooping up that extra cheesy sauce.
• Steamed green beans or broccoli – Light, nutritious, and easy to prep while the casserole bakes.
• Sweet potato fries – If you really want to lean into the burger vibe!

And of course, it pairs beautifully with a cold drink and a movie night at home.

Tips and Tricks

• Use pre-shredded cheese for speed, but freshly shredded cheese will melt smoother and give you a silkier finish.
• Watch the pasta closely. Since it’s simmered in sauce rather than boiled separately, stir often to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
• For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese before baking.
• Double the batch and freeze half for later! It’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to cook.

Variations

You can customize this cheeseburger casserole to fit your taste or dietary needs:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef.
• Healthier Take: Swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. You can also use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini. Just sauté them with the onions.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta and reduce the broth a bit.
• Different Cheeses: Mozzarella for stretch, pepper jack for spice, or even a little Swiss for depth.

Make it your own!

Storage Instructions

This dish stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe dish. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.

Do I have to use elbow macaroni?
Not at all! Penne, shells, or rotini work great—just make sure they’re short pasta shapes.

What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute chicken broth or even water, though the beef broth adds the most flavor.

Is this gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta and check that your ketchup and mustard are gluten-free as well.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and if reheating, cover with foil and add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Bake is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, comforting, cheesy, and totally satisfying. It’s a great way to bring the family together at the dinner table and a fun twist on a classic American favorite. With endless customization options and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

So next time you’re craving that cheeseburger flavor but want something cozy and fuss-free, give this casserole a try. You might just find your new favorite family dinner!