There’s something so comforting about a dish that tastes like a nostalgic cheeseburger yet feels like a warm hug in a casserole dish. This Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe hits all the right notes – cheesy, savory, and just downright satisfying. It’s like your favorite burger but easier to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

The image shows a large white pot with an orange handle filled with a creamy macaroni dish. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese, bright orange and stringy, covering cooked elbow macaroni mixed with browned ground meat and small bits of red tomato. There are small green pieces sprinkled on top, likely chopped green onions, adding a fresh look. The texture is creamy with some browned, slightly crispy spots on the cheese surface. A spoon is lifting a portion of the macaroni mix, showing cheese stretching between the pot and the spoon. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From my first time making this casserole, I was hooked. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that delivers big on flavor and keeps cleanup to a minimum – which always wins in my book. It’s comforting, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want everyone’s favorite flavors all in one bite.

Simple One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
Rich, Cheesy Flavor: Sharp cheddar melts throughout to give that authentic cheeseburger taste with a creamy texture.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily tweak it with your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your pantry or preferences.
Perfect for Leftovers: It tastes just as good reheated, making it a great recipe for meal prep and family lunches.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen for that classic cheeseburger flavor packed into a cozy casserole. I always make sure to grab sharp cheddar for that tangy bite and lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without being greasy.

Flat lay of a small pile of freshly diced yellow onion, a mound of bright yellow shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a portion of raw lean ground beef neatly shaped, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown granulated garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl holding ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with deep red double concentrated tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark Worcestershire sauce, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a simple white ceramic bowl with bright red diced tomatoes including their juices, a small pile of dried elbow macaroni pasta, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley leaves arranged symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory base, perfectly caramelizing with the beef.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers that distinct cheeseburger zing.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and browning the beef evenly without sticking.
Lean Ground Beef: Keeps the casserole meaty but not greasy – look for 90% lean if you can.
Granulated Garlic: Provides deep, mellow garlic flavor without the bite of fresh garlic.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Double Concentrated Tomato Paste: Boosts umami and enriches the sauce with a subtle tomato depth.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly smoky layer that replicates classic burger flavor.
Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta and beef to soak up.
Diced Tomatoes: Gives a juicy burst of acidity and freshness in every bite.
Elbow Macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to lock in sauce and hold the cheesy beef mixture.
Fresh Parsley or Scallion (Optional): Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbaceous touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this casserole is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it extra spicy, gluten-free, or loaded with veggies, this recipe is a great canvas for your creativity.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added texture and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños before cooking the beef brings a nice heat balancing the cheese.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth for gluten-free certification.
Extra Cheesy: I’ve been known to double the cheese just because you can never have too much cheddar in a cheeseburger casserole!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

A white plate holds a layered dish of cooked elbow macaroni mixed with brown ground meat and a reddish-orange sauce, topped with melted golden-yellow cheese patches. Green parsley leaves are scattered over the macaroni for color. On one side of the plate, there are smooth lines of red ketchup and yellow mustard side by side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a fork is partially visible on the right side, scooping some pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First, dice about half a medium yellow onion—aim for roughly ¾ to 1 cup. Then, grate the sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes on your grater; you’ll want about 2 cups. It’s worth buying good sharp cheddar here, as it really makes a difference in flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and one pound of lean ground beef. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and season with granulated garlic, one teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce

Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Let this cook for about a minute until the tomato paste darkens, which intensifies the flavor. It smells so good already—the savory, tangy notes start to build the base of that cheeseburger taste.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes, Bring to a Boil

Add 3 ¼ cups of beef broth, the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juices), the remaining teaspoon salt, and a pinch more pepper. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a boil. This flavorful broth will cook the pasta and meld the flavors together magically.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add 12 ounces of dried elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Reduce to medium heat and stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly, about 10 minutes. If the pasta soaks up all the liquid before it’s tender, just splash in more beef broth by the tablespoon to keep it perfectly creamy.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Let Melt

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of that beautiful cheddar cheese until melted and gooey. Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed—seasoning really brings this dish to life.

Step 7: Finish with a Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese on top. You can cover it and let the cheese melt softly for a gooey finish, or if you want that irresistible browned crust I love, pop the pot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

After several attempts, I’ve found a few tricks that really make this recipe shine. They saved me from common pitfalls and have kept me coming back to this casserole again and again.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep stirring and watch the liquid; adding broth as needed prevents mushy pasta or burnt bottoms.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Mild cheese just doesn’t deliver the same punch—trust me, it’s worth the sharper flavor here.
Broil for Crunchy Cheese: If you love a golden-bubbly top, broil at the end but stay right near the oven to avoid burning.
Season in Layers: Season your beef at the start and taste later. That way, you avoid under- or over-salting.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like finishing the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions—adds a fresh pop that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I throw on a few pickled jalapeño rings for a tangy bite, which my family loves.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple side salads—a crisp garden or coleslaw balances the warmth and cheesiness. Roasted or steamed green beans also make a great veggie side without competing with those bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual parties, I sometimes serve this in a big cast-iron skillet straight from the oven—everyone digs in family-style. For a fun twist, I’ve made mini casserole portions in muffin tins, perfect for game day bites or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last well for 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight and it reheats beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully a couple of times—just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F with a cover to keep it moist, or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to refresh the sauce. It’s just as comforting the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for cheeseburgers, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend to suit your taste. Just keep in mind the melting qualities and flavor intensity.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Also, check that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are labeled gluten-free, as ingredients can vary by brand.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble most of the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before cooking. Just add the pasta and broth last minute for best texture, or fully cook and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

What’s the best way to get a crispy, browned cheese topping?

Broiling the casserole uncovered for 2-3 minutes at the end creates a wonderful golden crust. Keep a close eye to avoid burning since broilers can vary in intensity. Alternatively, a quick bake at a higher temperature also works well.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those dishes I always reach for when I want comfort food with minimal fuss. It brings all the nostalgia of a cheeseburger without the hassle of flipping patties or gathering toppings separately. I can’t recommend it enough for a weeknight dinner or gathering friends around the table with something warm, cheesy, and undeniably good. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it did in mine.