Cheeseburger Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort-Food Bake

This hearty Cheeseburger Casserole delivers everything you love about a classic cheeseburger —
beefy richness, melty cheese, savory tomato flavor, and tender pasta — all baked into one comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, a potluck, or weekly meal prep, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: Simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Feeds a crowd: Makes two full pans — perfect for gatherings or freezing.
• Customizable: Add pickles, mustard, onions, or your favorite burger toppings.
• Comforting & satisfying: Classic American flavors baked into a warm, cheesy dish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds (680g) dry pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work best)
• 2 pounds (900g) ground beef
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed tomato soup
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 3–4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)
• Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or 1 tsp yellow mustard
• Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, crushed crispy onions, sliced green onions

Why Each Ingredient Matters

• Pasta: Acts as the sturdy base that absorbs flavor without getting mushy.
• Ground beef: Provides classic cheeseburger richness with savory depth.
• Tomato soup: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce that ties everything together.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and brings bold, nostalgic cheeseburger flavor.
• Worcestershire or mustard: Optional enhancers for extra depth and brightness.

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Your Baking Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C.
Lightly oil or butter two 9×13-inch baking dishes (or one large catering pan).

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente — tender but still firm.
Drain well and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook — the pasta will continue softening in the oven.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet (or two skillets to speed up the process), cook the ground beef over medium-high heat.
Break it apart and allow it to brown without constant stirring — this helps develop deeper flavor.
Once fully browned, drain excess fat for a cleaner, lighter casserole.

4. Build the Sauce

Return the beef to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
Stir in the tomato soup until the meat is evenly coated.
For extra depth, mix in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or 1 tsp mustard.

5. Combine Everything

In a very large mixing bowl or the empty pasta pot, combine the cooked pasta with the beef-tomato mixture.
Add two-thirds of the shredded cheese and fold gently until evenly coated.

6. Assemble the Casseroles

Divide the mixture between your prepared baking pans.
Smooth the tops and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over each dish.
For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions on top.

7. Bake

Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
For a browned crust, broil for 1–2 minutes — watching closely to avoid burning.

8. Rest & Serve

Let the casseroles rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting.
This helps them set and makes serving much easier.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad.
• Add dill pickles or chopped tomatoes on top for a real cheeseburger feel.
• Top with scallions, jalapeños, or extra cheese.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months. Wrap tightly before freezing.
• Reheat: In the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in the microwave.

Enjoy a warm, comforting Cheeseburger Casserole that brings nostalgic flavors straight to your dinner table!