Best Cheeseburger Casserole – Easy One-Pan Dinner

Weeknights can be a juggling act, and sometimes you just need a dinner that feels like a win without a pile of dishes. That's where this Cheeseburger Casserole comes in. It's everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and tangy pickles—baked into a hearty, one-pan meal.

I started making this when my kids were little and craved burgers but couldn't sit still long enough for me to grill. This casserole became our go-to because it comes together in under an hour and uses pantry staples. Plus, it's perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prep for the week ahead.

The best part? You can customize it like you would your favorite burger—add bacon, swap the cheese, or load it with veggies. Let's get cooking!

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10)

Lean beef keeps the casserole from being greasy. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

Onion adds sweetness and depth. Use a sweet onion if you prefer a milder flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor. In a pinch, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni, uncooked

Elbows are classic, but any short pasta like shells or rotini works. Gluten-free pasta is fine too.

1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, undrained

Adds moisture and tang. Use fire-roasted for extra smokiness.

1 cup (240ml) beef broth

Enhances the beefy flavor. You can substitute chicken broth or water.

1 cup (240ml) whole milk

Makes the sauce creamy. Use 2% or skim, but whole milk gives the best texture.

1 tbsp tomato paste

Concentrated tomato flavor. If you don't have it, skip it and use an extra 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes.

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Adds umami and depth. Soy sauce is a good substitute.

1 tsp smoked paprika

Gives a subtle smokiness. Regular paprika works, or use 1/2 tsp liquid smoke.

1/2 tsp salt

Adjust to taste, especially if your broth is salty.

1/4 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground is fine.

2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor. You can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

1/2 cup dill pickle slices, for topping (optional)

The classic burger topping. Add them after baking for a fresh crunch.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the pasta

It will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions) to avoid mushiness.

Use a large skillet

Make sure your skillet is oven-safe and large enough to hold everything without spilling over. A 12-inch skillet works perfectly.

Let it rest

After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brown the Beef

In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Add Seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

4. Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk. Add the uncooked macaroni and stir well. Bring to a simmer.

5. Simmer Pasta

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. The mixture will be saucy, but that's okay.

6. Add Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.

7. Bake

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

8. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with pickle slices if desired, then serve warm.

Delicious Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble, and stir into the beef mixture before adding cheese.

Veggie-Packed

Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers along with the pasta.

Spicy Southwest

Swap the cheddar for pepper jack, add 1 can of black beans (drained) and 1 cup of corn, and top with fresh cilantro.

How to Store Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this Cheeseburger Casserole becomes a staple in your home like it is in mine. If you try it, I'd love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media. Happy cooking!

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole combines seasoned beef, pasta, and gooey cheddar in one comforting, family-friendly skillet.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings485 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dill pickle slices, for topping (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2Brown the Beef — In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. 3Add Seasonings — Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. 4Add Liquids and Pasta — Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk. Add the uncooked macaroni and stir well. Bring to a simmer.
5. 5Simmer Pasta — Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. The mixture will be saucy, but that's okay.
6. 6Add Cheese — Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
7. 7Bake — Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
8. 8Rest and Serve — Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with pickle slices if desired, then serve warm.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a fun twist, serve with a side of pickles and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard—just like a real burger!

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Casserole

Nutrition (per serving): 485 kcal · 32g protein · 38g carbs · 23g fat