Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Cheeseburger Casserole with this easy baking recipe that transforms burger flavors into a comforting pasta bake. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and classic burger toppings, this family-friendly dish delivers all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger in every bite.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Serves:

8 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g lean ground beef</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g pasta shapes (macaroni or fusilli)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g tin chopped tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml beef stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp Dijon mustard</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cheddar cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g mozzarella cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper, to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">25cm x 30cm (10-inch x 12-inch) baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large skillet or frying pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large pot for boiling pasta</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushiness later. Drain and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The caramelization of the meat creates rich flavor compounds that will enhance the overall taste of your casserole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor (this helps develop umami notes). Then add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. The reduction concentrates flavors and ensures your casserole won't be watery when baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove from heat and fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring it's well coated with the sauce. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it bakes, developing more flavor throughout.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Transfer half of the mixture to your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with half of both cheeses. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese. The layering of cheese creates pockets of melty goodness throughout the casserole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole - these will create a delicious textural contrast to the creamy interior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. If needed, switch to the grill (broiler) for the final 2-3 minutes to achieve the perfect golden top.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. For an authentic cheeseburger experience, consider offering small bowls of typical burger accompaniments like diced pickles, extra ketchup, or mustard for people to add as desired.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger Casserole combines lean ground beef, pasta, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices. It's topped with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese plus breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

How to cook Cheeseburger Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Cheeseburger Casserole by browning beef with onions and peppers, mixing with al dente pasta and a seasoned tomato sauce, then layering with cheese in a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. The perfect comfort food combining pasta bake ease with burger flavours.

Can I freeze leftover pasta bake with ground beef?

Yes, this beef pasta bake freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until piping hot throughout.

What sides go well with a cheesy beef and pasta dish?

Complement this hearty dish with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or coleslaw. For a complete burger experience, serve with dill pickle slices, sliced tomatoes, or a small bowl of additional condiments like ketchup and mustard.

How can I make this pasta casserole healthier without losing flavour?

Use lean or extra-lean ground beef (or substitute turkey), whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like grated carrots or courgette. Increase fibre by mixing in beans or lentils with the beef and reduce salt by using low-sodium beef stock and unsalted tomatoes.

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