Cheesy Burger Casserole – The Ultimate Family Comfort Dinner

This cheesy burger casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with juicy ground beef, gooey cheese, and all your favorite burger flavors, it’s a family dinner recipe you’ll make again and again. Try this easy cheeseburger bake tonight—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love It

• Total comfort food: Think cheeseburger meets lasagna.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone (kids included) will ask for seconds.
• Customizable: Add bacon, pickles, or spicy sauce.
• Meal prep hero: Stores beautifully for easy lunches.
• One-dish wonder: Minimal cleanup—my kind of magic.

Ingredients / What You’ll Need

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef – lean or 80/20 for more flavor
• 1 small onion – finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce or ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta – elbow or rotini works great
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk or cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: diced pickles, cooked bacon bits, or green onions

How to Make It

1. Cook the pasta: Boil until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic.
3. Add flavor: Stir in tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine: Mix beef mixture with pasta, milk, and half the cheese.
5. Bake: Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) dish. Top with remaining cheese.
6. Melt & bubble: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle bacon or pickles if desired.

Pro Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for the boldest cheesy flavor.
• Add a layer of tater tots on top for a “loaded burger” twist.
• For extra creaminess, mix in cream cheese before baking.
• Double the recipe—it freezes like a dream!
• Let it cool 10 minutes before serving to set perfectly.

Variations & Substitutions

• Low-carb: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets.
• Protein boost: Add cooked turkey or sausage.
• Spicy version: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based beef crumbles.
• Different cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a new flavor.

Storage & Reheat

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

What to Serve With It

• Garlic bread or Texas toast
• Fresh garden salad
• Crispy tater tots
• Dill pickles

Conclusion

If comfort had a flavor, it would absolutely taste like this cheesy burger casserole. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table—kids, picky eaters, even the “just a salad” folks. With layers of juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, and cozy pasta, it turns an ordinary weeknight into something crave-worthy. Plus, it reheats beautifully (if there are any leftovers).

So grab that casserole dish and let your oven work its cheesy magic—because happiness tonight looks a lot like a bubbling, golden cheeseburger bake!

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