Cheeseburger Casseroles: Ultimate Comfort Food Fix

I’m Chloe—and if you’ve ever found yourself smiling while stirring a simmering pot or sneaking a taste of cookie dough straight from the bowl, then you’re in the right place. I started this recipe blog not just to share meals, but to share moments. Some of my fondest memories were made in the kitchen—messy, imperfect, joy-filled memories that always seemed to center around food.

Whether I’m crafting a cozy weeknight dinner, testing a nostalgic dessert, or simply experimenting with seasonal ingredients, each recipe I post is something I’ve truly loved making (and eating). This space was born from the belief that cooking shouldn’t be complicated or intimidating—it should be creative, comforting, and, most of all, fun.

I want this blog to feel like your favorite corner of the internet, the one you turn to when you’re craving something delicious or need a spark of inspiration. Over time, this blog has become more than just a collection of recipes—it’s become a community. I’ve been lucky to connect with so many incredible home cooks who share their tips, tweaks, and even their flops with such honesty and enthusiasm.

It reminds me why I started this in the first place: to bring people together, one bite at a time. So whether you’re here for buttery bakes, bold flavors, or just a quiet moment in a busy day, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. My hope is that the recipes I share become part of your home and your memories—because food, after all, is meant to be shared.

Cheeseburger Casseroles

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Chloe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheeseburger Casseroles recipe! Learn how to create a delicious twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for any meal.

---

Ingredients

• 1/2 medium yellow onion (about 60g)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, preferably yellow, shredded (about 225g)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 ml) granulated garlic
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) double concentrated tomato paste (from a tube)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (32-ounce) carton beef broth (about 960 ml), divided
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can regular or petite diced tomatoes
• 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (about 340g)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, or 1 thinly sliced medium scallion (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. If you want a crispy top on the casserole, position a rack in the middle of the oven and set it to broil. In the meantime, start preparing the dish.
2. Finely chop half of a medium yellow onion. Shred the cheddar cheese using the large holes of a grater.
3. Warm olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large, deep skillet (safe for broiling if you intend to brown it later) over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and ground beef. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon. Season with granulated garlic, a portion of the kosher salt, and some black pepper. Cook until the beef is fully done and the onion softens, around 6 to 7 minutes.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook until the tomato paste changes to a darker hue, roughly 1 minute. Pour in most of the beef broth, the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and the rest of the kosher salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it come to a boil.
5. Add the elbow macaroni and cook on medium heat, stirring now and then, until the pasta is soft, about 10 minutes. If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before softening, add more beef broth a few tablespoons at a time as needed. Take the pot off the heat. Mix in a majority of the cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover and wait until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes. For a golden top, move it to the oven and broil uncovered until the cheese is melted and golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

---

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook elbow macaroni until tender, adding more broth if needed to prevent dryness.

Cheeseburger Casserole: A Comforting Classic

Fundamentals

Cheeseburger casserole combines the delightful flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease and comfort of a one-pot meal. This dish brings together ground beef, cheddar cheese, and macaroni in a deliciously savory blend, making it a favorite for family dinners. The harmony of these ingredients creates a casserole that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.

The key to a great cheeseburger casserole lies in the balance of flavors. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese complements the richness of the beef, while the macaroni provides a tender base. By incorporating onions and seasonings like granulated garlic and Worcestershire sauce, the dish develops a depth that elevates it from simple to extraordinary.

Preparation/setup

Begin by gathering your ingredients: half a medium yellow onion, lean ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni. Chop the onion finely, and shred the cheese using the large holes of a grater. These steps ensure even cooking and a smooth melding of flavors.

Using a Dutch oven or a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. This will be your vessel for building layers of flavor and texture. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and ground beef, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon. Season with granulated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking until the beef is done and the onion softens.

Creating a Delicious Cheeseburger Casserole

Technique

Once the onion and beef mixture reaches perfection, add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir these ingredients until the tomato paste darkens, enhancing its flavor. This step is crucial for adding depth to your casserole, so don’t rush it. The flavors should meld together, creating a rich and hearty base.

Next, incorporate most of the beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir them in and bring the mixture to a boil. The beef broth imparts a savory liquid that the macaroni will absorb, while the tomatoes add a touch of acidity to balance the dish.

Tips/tricks

To achieve the perfect texture for your macaroni, monitor the cooking process closely. Once you add the elbow macaroni, stir it occasionally as it simmers. Keep an eye on the liquid levels, and add more beef broth if necessary, a few tablespoons at a time. This ensures the pasta remains tender without becoming mushy.

For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, consider broiling the casserole. After mixing in most of the cheese, top the dish with the remaining portion. Cover it and let the cheese melt before transferring it to the oven. Broil it uncovered until the cheese achieves a golden hue, adding a crispy texture to your comforting meal.

Mastering Cheeseburger Casserole Variations

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect cheeseburger casserole involves balancing flavors and textures to create a cohesive dish. This means adjusting seasonings to taste, ensuring the beef is well-cooked and the macaroni is al dente. By following these steps, you guarantee a satisfying meal every time.

Consider experimenting with different types of cheese or adding a touch of heat with diced jalapeños for a spicy variation. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize the casserole to your liking. Embrace the creative process and make the dish uniquely yours.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter issues like a dry casserole, increase the beef broth incrementally until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, if the casserole is too watery, allow it to simmer longer to reduce the liquid. These adjustments ensure your dish meets your expectations every time.

For those looking to explore other creative options, consider trying a Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole or a delightful Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac. Each offers its unique twist on the classic flavors, perfect for any cheeseburger lover.

Presenting and Enjoying Cheeseburger Casserole

Serving/presentation

Presenting your cheeseburger casserole with care highlights its deliciousness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. These simple touches elevate the dish, showcasing your culinary skills and enhancing the dining experience.

Serve the casserole straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. This approach encourages communal dining and allows everyone to enjoy the dish’s rich aroma and vibrant flavors together. It’s a perfect way to bring people together around the table.

Pairings/storage

Pair your casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. These sides add a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring you can enjoy the flavors later.

If you’re feeling adventurous, explore other comforting dishes like Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones or a flavorful One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup. These options offer new ways to enjoy beloved cheeseburger flavors.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger casserole offers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. By mastering the fundamentals, experimenting with variations, and presenting it with care, you create a dish that satisfies both the palate and the heart. Its adaptability and ease make it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, cheeseburger casserole delivers on taste and nostalgia. Embrace the joy of cooking and share this delightful dish with friends and family, creating cherished moments around the table. The strength of this casserole lies not just in its taste, but in its ability to bring people together.

FAQs – Cheeseburger Casseroles