There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, cheesy dinner that comes together in just one pot. This Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe hits all the right notes with cheesy goodness, savory beef, and pasta wrapped up in a cozy, effortless meal.

A close-up view of a white bowl with orange handles filled with macaroni pasta mixed with browned ground meat and melted yellow cheese on top. The dish has a gooey texture with cheese strands stretching as a spoon lifts a scoop out. Small green pieces of herbs are sprinkled over the top. The bowl is placed on a surface with 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 Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this casserole has saved dinner at my house. It’s like all those cheeseburger cravings got wrapped into a warm, cheesy pasta hug. Plus, it’s so simple that you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation for weeknights or even casual gatherings.

Ultimate Comfort Food: All the flavors of a cheeseburger, but easier and with less fuss.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it perfect after a busy day.
Rich and Cheesy: Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly to create a creamy texture that everyone loves.
Super Customizable: You can tweak it easily with your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to fit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe has a straightforward list, but each ingredient plays an important role. From the sharp cheddar that brings that signature cheeseburger bite to the tomato paste which adds depth and richness—you'll want fresh, quality ingredients here for the best results.

Flat lay of a halved medium yellow onion with smooth, firm layers, a small pile of bright shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a portion of raw lean ground beef with a fresh, red-pink hue, a small white bowl holding fine granulated garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper specks, a small white bowl containing rich deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl with dark glossy Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl filled with clear beef broth, a simple white ceramic bowl overflowing with dried elbow macaroni pasta, and a few sprigs of vibrant green fresh parsley leaves arranged neatly, 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: Adds a mild sweetness and subtle crunch that deepens the flavor when sautéed.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use a good quality, preferably yellow cheddar for that classic cheeseburger sharpness.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and onion, adding a slight fruity undertone.
Lean Ground Beef: The star protein—lean helps keep it from being greasy while still rich in flavor.
Granulated Garlic: A simple, savory punch that blends into the sauce without overpowering.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every component.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that balances the cheese and beef with a subtle tang.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a little complexity to mimic that burger sauce vibe.
Beef Broth: Creates the saucy base to cook the pasta and enriches everything with meaty goodness.
Diced Tomatoes: Bring freshness and a touch of acidity.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice for cheeseburger casseroles to hold onto every bit of sauce.
Fresh Parsley or Scallion (Optional): For a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end.

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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 thing I adore about this Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m feeding.

Variation: For a lighter twist, I’ve swapped half the ground beef for ground turkey, and it worked beautifully—still flavorful but a bit leaner.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños if you like a little kick. My friends loved it when I did this for game day.
Extra Veggies: Throw in diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the beef for added texture and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Mixing in a bit of mozzarella or pepper jack can bring a different melting quality and flavor profile.

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

A white plate with a brown rim holds a layered pasta dish. The base layer is twisted pasta mixed with a thick, reddish-brown meat sauce with visible small meat chunks. On top are melted golden cheese patches with browned edges, melted smoothly over portions of the pasta. Small green herb leaves are scattered on top for color contrast. In the bottom left of the plate, there are neat lines of yellow mustard and red ketchup side by side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a silver fork partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Prep Started and Heat Up the Pan

First things first, dice half a medium yellow onion—aim for about ¾ to 1 cup. Grate your sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes of your grater; this helps it melt evenly later. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, preferably broiler-safe pan over medium-high heat until shimmering—this oil will be your flavor base.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion Perfectly

Add the diced onion and a full pound of lean ground beef to your hot pan. Break up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon and season with 1½ teaspoons granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step is key to building those cheeseburger flavors.

Step 3: Build the Rich Sauce

Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook for about a minute until the tomato paste darkens a bit—that’s when all the concentrated flavor develops. Add 3¼ cups of beef broth, the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with juices), another teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything up and bring it to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Now add 12 ounces of dried elbow macaroni right into the boiling mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender—this usually takes about 10 minutes. If the pasta soaks up all the liquid before it's quite tender, add a few more tablespoons of the reserved beef broth to keep things just right.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Melting Magic

Remove your pot from the heat and stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Then sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese on top. Cover and let it sit for 3 minutes so that top layer gets nice and melty. If you want that bubbly, browned top, pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

From making this dish countless times, I’ve learned these little tricks that really elevate the Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe.

Don’t Rush the Sauté: Make sure your beef and onions are well browned to develop those rich, deep “burger” flavors.
Watch the Broiler Closely: When melting the cheese on top under the broiler, it can go from beautifully golden to burnt in just seconds.
Adjust Broth as Needed: Pasta absorbs liquid differently depending on the brand, so keep that extra broth handy to avoid dryness.
Fresh is Best: Last-minute fresh parsley or scallion adds a bright note to balance richness.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions—it adds a pleasant freshness and color contrast that lightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or even a classic coleslaw to cut through the richness. I also like serving it with some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I’ve layered the casserole in a pretty baking dish lined with lettuce or fresh herbs around the edges for a touch of elegance. I also like serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of cheddar and broiled right before serving to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days and tastes just as satisfying as the first night.

Freezing

This casserole freezes nicely too! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. I usually thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems a bit dry. Covering the dish during reheating helps keep the cheese melty and moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the elbow macaroni with another pasta?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work great as substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times since it can vary slightly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap out the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Also, double-check that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Is there a way to make this recipe less rich?

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and reduce the cheese quantity slightly. You could also use low-fat cheddar and add extra veggies to bulk it up without extra calories.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare everything up to the point of broiling, then refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before finishing it in the oven. This makes it great for busy days or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from a familiar friend. It’s so satisfying, simple, and just plain delicious. I always recommend giving it a try, especially when you want something that feels homemade but doesn’t take hours. Trust me—you'll be glad you did!