Introduction

Cheeseburger casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

A close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a large scoop of creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with ground beef, showing thick, curly pasta in a glossy orange-yellow cheese sauce with brown bits of beef throughout, all inside a large white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface. The macaroni and cheese looks rich and gooey with a smooth, shiny texture, and the background is softly blurred to highlight the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
½ cup yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dry parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp salt
Ground pepper to taste
2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
16 oz elbow macaroni
¾ cup milk (at room temperature)
½ cup sour cream (at room temperature)
2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, at room temperature (divided: 1 cup stirred in, 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef with the chopped onion, minced garlic, dry parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground pepper until fully browned. Drain any excess grease before proceeding.
Step 2: Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and stir until fully combined with the beef mixture.
Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and add the elbow macaroni. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping.
Step 4: Uncover and stir in the room-temperature milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. The mixture should become thick and creamy. If it looks too watery, simmer uncovered for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve the casserole warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onion for added color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Use room-temperature dairy ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
For extra flavor, add diced pickles or a dash of mustard when serving to mimic classic cheeseburger toppings.
Swap cheddar cheese for a sharp or smoked variety to change the flavor profile.
Add some cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
To make it lighter, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry.

How to Serve

A round white pot filled with creamy macaroni pasta mixed with ground meat, melted yellow cheese layered unevenly on top, and sprinkled with green herbs. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot on the right side, partially submerged in the dish. To the top left outside the pot, fresh green parsley leaves are visible, and to the top right, an orange textured cloth adds a pop of color. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before topping it with cheese and heating. Store it in the fridge and add the cheese topping just before baking or reheating for best results.

Can I freeze cheeseburger casserole?

You can freeze the casserole, but for best texture, freeze before adding the sour cream and cheese. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the dairy ingredients fresh when reheating.