There’s something so comforting about a cozy, cheesy casserole that just hits every note perfectly. This Cheeseburger Casserole with Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe is my go-to when I want that classic cheeseburger flavor but in a warm, family-friendly dish that feels like a big, delicious hug.

The dish is a warm, cheesy macaroni bake served in a white pot with orange handles. It has multiple layers with a base of small elbow macaroni pasta mixed with browned ground meat and diced tomatoes. On top, there is a thick layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese that stretches as a spoon lifts a portion. Small green slices of spring onion are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a pop of color. The texture shows a mix of creamy melted cheese, tender pasta, and browned meat bits. The background surface is a white marbled texture. 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 Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Casserole with Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get over how this casserole nails that cheeseburger vibe without the fuss of grilling patties or assembling burgers. I love how easy it is to throw together on a busy night, and the whole family gets excited about it. It’s like comfort food meeting practicality in the best possible way.

One-Pot Convenience: You cook everything in just one pot or skillet, which means fewer dishes — and who doesn’t want that?
True Cheeseburger Flavor: Sharp cheddar, ground beef, and tomato paste blend into a rich sauce that tastes like your favorite burger without the bun.
Customizable Comfort: It’s easy to tweak with your favorite spices or add-ins to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a smart meal prep choice or a perfect next-day dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a star role, coming together for that unmistakably hearty, cheesy, burger-esque casserole. You’ll want to pick a good-quality sharp cheddar for maximum flavor, and don’t skip the tomato paste—it gives depth like you wouldn’t expect.

Flat lay of half a medium yellow onion cut in half showing its layers, a small pile of shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a mound of fresh raw lean ground beef, a small white bowl containing granulated garlic powder, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl holding vibrant red double concentrated tomato paste, a small white bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a simple white bowl of bright red diced tomatoes with juices, a neat pile of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, and a few fresh flat parsley leaves arranged neatly nearby, all 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: Provides that savory sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed with the beef.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star cheese here; its bold flavor and meltability make every bite rich and gooey.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the onion and beef, adding a subtle fruitiness and preventing sticking.
Lean Ground Beef: Keeps the dish hearty without too much grease.
Granulated Garlic: Brings a rounded depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors naturally.
Tomato Paste: Adds a tangy richness and deep umami that mimic that classic burger sauce undertone.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings in savory complexity and a slight tang, the secret sauce that pushes this casserole over the edge.
Beef Broth: A flavorful cooking liquid that makes the pasta tender and infuses everything with meaty goodness.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds freshness and a touch of brightness to cut through the richness.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic, bite-sized pasta that soaks up all the delicious sauce for perfect cheeseburger bites.
Fresh Parsley or Scallion (Optional): A pop of color and a mild fresh note at the end to balance the richness.

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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 of the things I enjoy most about this Cheeseburger Casserole with Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe is how well it adapts. Over time, I’ve tried adding veggies, swapping cheeses, and even playing with seasonings. It’s flexible, so feel free to make it your own and have fun with it.

Veggie Boost: I like tossing in some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for a little extra nutrition and texture. It never overwhelms the flavor but adds a nice touch.
Cheese Swap: If you want something creamier, mixing in Monterey Jack or pepper jack with the cheddar adds a fun twist of melty goodness and a little spice.
Seasoning Tweaks: Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or spicy edge. It really amps up the casserole without losing that cheeseburger vibe.
Make it Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free elbow macaroni makes this dish accessible for those avoiding gluten, and it still melts beautifully together.

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

A close-up dish on a white plate with a thin brown rim, showing three layers: the base layer is twisted pasta in light yellow with sauce, the middle layer has brown cooked ground meat mixed in, and the top layer is melted golden cheese slightly browned in spots. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered over the dish. On one side, ketchup and mustard sauces are squeezed in small lines in red and yellow. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a silver fork partly holds the pasta on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics and Cheese

Start by dicing half a medium yellow onion—about three quarters of a cup is fine. While you’re at it, grate your sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. This gives you about 2 cups of cheese, the perfect amount to get that gooey, melty texture throughout and on top.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large skillet that can go under the broiler if you want a nice crispy top later. When the oil shimmers, add your onions and ground beef. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly. Season with granulated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the double concentrated tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Let the tomato paste cook for about a minute until it darkens slightly—this caramelization adds a luxurious depth of flavor that's key to capturing that burger essence.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Tomatoes, Then Boil

Pour in about 3 ¼ cups of beef broth along with the diced tomatoes and their juices. Stir in the remaining salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, which creates a rich sauce that envelops the pasta as it cooks.

Step 5: Cook Your Pasta Right in the Sauce

Now, add your dried elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and to allow the pasta to soak up all those delicious flavors. It usually takes about 10 minutes for the pasta to get tender but not mushy. If it looks like it’s drying out before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more beef broth. This technique means you’re saving time and dishes, and the pasta ends up perfectly flavored.

Step 6: Stir In Cheese and Adjust Seasoning

Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of your shredded cheddar. Taste and add more salt or pepper as needed; this step makes sure every bite sings with flavor.

Step 7: Finish with a Cheesy Top and Optional Broil

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the pot and let it sit for about 3 minutes so the cheese melts beautifully. If you want a bubbly, golden-brown crust, transfer the uncovered pot to the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

Over the years, making this casserole has taught me some tricks to get it just right every time. I promise these small adjustments make a big difference for juicy flavor and perfect texture.

Use a Dutch Oven or Broiler-Safe Skillet: This saves you from dirtying multiple dishes, and you can broil the cheese right on top for that golden finish.
Don’t Rush the Tomato Paste: Let it cook until it darkens slightly—this step adds depth and complexity that elevates the entire dish.
Stir Pasta Occasionally: Prevents sticking and ensures every noodle is coated with that rich, savory sauce.
Season as You Go: I taste after mixing in the cheese and adjust salt and pepper then, so the balance is just right going into the final stage.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions. It adds a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of color against all that melty cheese. Sometimes, a little drizzle of ketchup or a swipe of mustard on the side brings the cheeseburger theme full circle.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple yet balanced, I often serve this casserole with a crisp green salad—something fresh and tangy, like a lemony arugula or a crunchy cucumber salad. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also make a great foil to the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins, topped with a little pickled jalapeño or crispy fried onions for a fun texture contrast. It’s a great way to elevate a simple weeknight meal into a crowd-pleasing presentation that feels just a bit fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let the casserole cool completely then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by placing it in a freezer-safe container before baking or after it’s cooled. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the texture is best fresh, freezing is a great option for meal prep and busy weeks.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat slices is either in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil to prevent drying, or in the microwave if you’re short on time—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before warming up brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in this cheeseburger casserole?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar cheese gives that classic cheeseburger flavor and great melting quality, you can mix in cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a creamier or spicier twist. Just keep the total cheese amount about the same for the best results.

What is the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?

To keep the casserole moist and creamy, I recommend stirring the pasta occasionally as it cooks and adding extra beef broth a little at a time if the liquid starts to absorb too quickly. Covering the casserole while letting the top cheese melt also helps retain moisture. If baking afterward, tent with foil to avoid drying out.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the step before adding the cheese topping, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking or broiling. This makes it perfect for busy weekdays or meal prep. Just bring it to room temperature before finishing the cooking step for best results.

Is this Cheeseburger Casserole with Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes well both before and after baking. For freezing before baking, assemble the casserole without the final cheese topping and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. For leftovers, store in airtight freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole with Cheddar and Ground Beef Recipe is one of those satisfying dishes you don’t have to feel guilty about loving. It’s cozy, familiar, and flexible enough to fit right into your weeknight dinner rotation. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite way to capture all the joy of a cheeseburger in a bowl. Trust me, it’s as delicious as it sounds!