There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that combines juicy beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta all in one pan. This Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate and always disappears fast at my dinner table.

A close-up image of a white pot with orange handles filled with baked macaroni and cheese mixed with browned ground meat. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom is creamy cooked elbow macaroni, the middle contains browned ground meat pieces, and the top is covered with melted bubbly bright yellow-orange cheese, garnished with small green herb pieces. A silver spoon lifts a scoop showing stretchy cheese strings hanging down, with some browned spots on top and a white marbled surface in the background. 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 Beef and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for weeknight dinners that are both easy and satisfying, and this casserole hits the spot. It’s like cheeseburger night, but without the mess of patties and buns. From the first bite to the last, it’s cozy, cheesy, and downright delicious.

One-pan convenience: You cook everything in a Dutch oven or deep skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash later.
Cheesy goodness: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully throughout, giving every forkful a rich and creamy texture.
Flavor-packed beef: With tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning, the beef has so much depth beyond just plain ground meat.
Customizable comfort: You can tweak cheese types or add veggies to make it your own family favorite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that create a beautiful balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays its part to make this dish hearty and luscious.

Flat lay of a small diced half medium yellow onion, a neat pile of shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl holding a thick red double concentrated tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl of diced fresh tomatoes with juice, a neat portion of dried elbow macaroni pasta, and a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh parsley arranged symmetrically on a plain white ceramic plate, 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 sweetness and a gentle bite that balances the beef’s richness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese here — its bold flavor really shines and melts smoothly into the sauce.
Olive oil: Just enough to sauté the onions and beef without weighing down the dish.
Lean ground beef: Keeps the casserole meaty and filling without too much grease.
Granulated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper: Simple seasonings that build layers of flavor, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
Double concentrated tomato paste: Adds tang and deep umami that elevates the savory profile.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret little punch of savory complexity that you might not expect but absolutely notice.
Beef broth: Boosts richness and keeps the macaroni perfectly tender and saucy.
Can of diced tomatoes: Gives bursts of bright acidity and juiciness in each bite.
Dried elbow macaroni: The classic shape that holds onto the sauce and cheese nicely.
Fresh parsley or scallions (optional): Adds fresh color and a hint of brightness 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

While I adore this recipe as is, I always encourage you to experiment. I’ve swapped in pepper jack cheese for a bit of spice, and adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms gives it an extra veggie boost without losing comfort food vibes.

Variation: Once, I swapped the elbow macaroni with small shells, which was fun and held the cheese just as well — try what you have on hand!
Dairy-free option: Use vegan cheese and a plant-based beef substitute to cater to dietary needs.
Make it spicy: Toss in some finely diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Extra veggies: Stir in frozen peas or corn near the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe

A white plate with a light brown rim holds a serving of baked pasta. The dish has about three main layers: at the bottom, spiral pasta mixed with a rich red-brown meat sauce, in the middle, small chunks of browned ground meat, and on top, melted golden-yellow cheese with lightly browned spots. Bright green fresh herb leaves are scattered over the dish adding color. At the edge of the plate, there are lines of red ketchup and yellow mustard. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sweat the Onions and Brown the Beef

Start by dicing half of a medium yellow onion finely. Getting the onion size right ensures you get flavorful yet tender bites throughout. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat—this helps build flavor. Once shimmering, add the onion along with one pound of lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles. Season with granulated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until the beef is fully browned and the onion softens. You’ll smell everything come alive here—this step really sets the foundation.

Step 2: Build the Robust Sauce

Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Cook this combo for about a minute until the tomato paste darkens just a bit—this deepening of color means the flavors are intensifying. Then add 3 ¼ cups of beef broth, an entire can of diced tomatoes with juices, the remaining kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil to marry those flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni Right in the Sauce

Add 12 ounces of dried elbow macaroni directly into the bubbling sauce. Stir occasionally and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the pasta is tender. If the liquid gets absorbed before the pasta is done, add more beef broth by the tablespoon until the macaroni is perfectly al dente and saucy. This hands-on step makes sure your pasta isn’t dry, so I recommend staying nearby and tasting as you go!

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Finish

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melty and smooth. Give it a quick taste and season more with salt and pepper if needed. Then sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheese over the top. Cover and let rest for 3 minutes to melt that cheese layer, or for a golden top, pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Top Tip

Making this Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the final dish and make sure it turns out perfect every time.

Use a broiler-safe pan: Cooking right in a Dutch oven or a safe skillet means you can broil the top for that perfect cheesy crust without transferring dishes.
Don’t skip the tomato paste browning: This step adds so much umami and richness, making your beef taste restaurant-level.
Keep broth handy: Pasta can be thirsty—slowly add broth as needed so it cooks evenly and stays saucy.
Let it rest covered: After cooking, resting the casserole covered helps the cheese melt through fully without drying out the top.

How to Serve Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe

Cheeseburger casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions on top—the bright green color adds a fresh pop and a little freshness to cut through all that cheese and beef. Sometimes, a dash of hot sauce on the side helps those who like a bit of a kick.

Side Dishes

Serve this casserole with a crisp side salad—think baby spinach with a tangy vinaigrette—or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs perfectly for soaking up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at family dinners, I’ve portioned this casserole into large ramekins and topped each with a little breadcrumb and cheese crust before broiling—everyone gets an individual golden, bubbly feast. It’s also great served in a large cast-iron skillet right at the table for that rustic wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate them. The casserole holds up well for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second-night dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. If using an oven, cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. A splash of broth stirred in before reheating can freshen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta in the Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, small shells, rotini, or penne work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time as needed to keep the pasta tender and saucy.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and choose your favorite vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or omit it. The cheese and tomato paste still bring plenty of flavor.

What’s the best way to get a crispy, golden cheese topping?

Broiling the finished casserole for 2 to 3 minutes is key. I always watch closely during this step to avoid burning the cheese. Using a broiler-safe pan makes this so much easier.

Can I prepare the Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the cheese melting stage, cover it, and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking or broiling. This is great for prepping meals in advance on busy days.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason I keep coming back to this Cheeseburger casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe—it’s straightforward but never boring. It’s one of those dishes that turns leftovers into a next-day treat and impresses even when you’re short on time. I hope it becomes your go-to comfort food as much as it is mine. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy hug from your kitchen.