May 15, 2024, Updated Jun 06, 2024 I’ll have a cheeseburger. But make mine… casserole 🧀✨ Seriously guys, this recipe reminds me of the hamburger casseroles that I grew up with in the 90s. It features tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich sauce made with tomato paste, beef broth, and cream cheese, topped with melted cheddar. Made with all the cheeseburger flavors you love, it comes out the oven topped with a bubbling, golden cheesy topping. Quick to make and satisfying to the soul. Is this TOTAL comfort food for you, too?
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Family-friendly: Kids and adults will fall for the cheeseburger flavor in this dish. It has a nostalgic vibe of homemade hamburger helper, but SOOO much better. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy families. Make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. One-pan: No one wants a load of dishes to content with midweek. This is a low-mess, low-fuss recipe. Great for leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored and reheated for a quick and delicious meal later on in the week.
Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredients
Here are those classic cheeseburger ingredients:
Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef – you can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Onion: Use any color onion. Minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but if unavailable, you can use pre-minced garlic. Kosher salt and pepper: I love Kosher salt for its clean taste and ease of measurement. Paprika: Great for that smoky flavor and a touch of color. Tomato paste: Adds depth of flavor and richness to the casserole. Not to be skipped! Beef broth: You can also use vegetable broth as a substitute. Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creaminess and richness to the casserole. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dish. Dry macaroni: Choose a short pasta shape like elbow macaroni or rotini for easy eating. Cook according to package instructions until al dente before adding to the casserole. Grated cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for superior meltability and flavor. Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, but mild or medium cheddar works well too.
Vegetarian option: Switch the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Bacon cheeseburger casserole: Take it to another level by adding diced bacon. Different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss. Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative.
Tools to Grab
Here are the tools and equipment you’ll need to make this recipe:
Large pot: To boil the pasta in. Colander: To drain the pasta. Saucepan or skillet: To cook the meat in. Spoon: To stir while cooking. Large baking dish: To bake the casserole in.
Prep Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, boil salted water in a large pot. Add the macaroni and cook it according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Beef
Cook the ground beef with the onion, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Next, break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. I like to leave larger chunks. Cook the beef, stirring frequently, until it is cooked through and the onion is soft.
Finish the Sauce
To the beef, add the tomato paste. Next, cook it until it turns a shade darker and smells toasty. Add in the beef broth and stir it. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Reduce the heat to a low temperature. Then, stir in the cream cheese until it is smooth. Lastly, whisk in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Casserole and Bake
The last step is to stir in the cooked macaroni and transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Bake it for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browning.
Make Ahead
This cheeseburger casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge until ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or for preparing ahead of a busy weeknight.
Storing Cheeseburger Casserole
Leftover cheeseburger casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to the container. When reheating, you can warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the original instructions. Once baked, leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Emulsification: The addition of cream cheese to the casserole helps to create a creamy and cohesive texture. Cream cheese contains emulsifiers, which help to bind the ingredients together and prevent separation during baking. Cheese meltability: You’ll get best results by grating your own cheddar. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the finished casserole. These cheeses contain proteins that melt easily when heated, resulting in a gooey and irresistible cheese layer on top of the casserole.
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