Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine all the satisfying flavors of a juicy cheeseburger – savory ground beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and that classic burger sauce – all baked into a warm, bubbly casserole. Forget standing over a hot grill; this recipe brings the cookout indoors with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

While the exact origins of the Cheeseburger Casserole are shrouded in mystery (likely born from a busy weeknight craving!), its appeal is undeniable. It cleverly combines the convenience of a casserole with the universally loved taste of a cheeseburger. Think of it as a deconstructed burger, reimagined for easy serving and family-friendly enjoyment.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The creamy, cheesy topping contrasts beautifully with the hearty ground beef base, while the addition of pickles and your favorite burger toppings adds a delightful zing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your preferred cheese, vegetables, and sauces to create a truly personalized comfort food experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a taste of summer, this Cheeseburger Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup dill pickle slices, chopped
• Sesame seed hamburger buns, toasted and cubed (about 4 buns)

Preparing the Meat Mixture:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon or spatula until it’s fully crumbled. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The aroma at this stage is already making my mouth water!
3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. This sauce is the key to that classic cheeseburger flavor.
4. Mix the Sauce with the Meat and Vegetables: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine, ensuring that everything is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Combine the Macaroni and Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the meat mixture. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Add Cheese and Pickles: Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped dill pickle slices to the macaroni and meat mixture. Stir gently to combine. The pickles add a wonderful tang that really elevates the cheeseburger flavor.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and meat mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
5. Top with Buns and Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the cubed, toasted sesame seed hamburger buns evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the buns. This creates a delicious, cheesy, and slightly crunchy topping.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The buns should be lightly golden brown.
2. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cheeseburger Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:

• Toppings: Serve with extra ketchup, mustard, or your favorite cheeseburger toppings like lettuce, tomato, or onion.
• Sides: Pair it with a side salad, coleslaw, or french fries for a complete meal.
• Variations: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You could also add bacon bits for extra flavor.

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Be sure to cook the elbow macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy casserole.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the hamburger buns before adding them to the casserole helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole can also be frozen for later. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are some ingredient substitutions you can try:

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of cheddar soup or cream of chicken soup instead.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use any type of cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
• Elbow Macaroni: You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
• Pickles: If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, you can omit them or substitute them with sweet pickles or relish.
• Onion and Bell Pepper: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat mixture, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 12-18g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 25-35g

Why This Recipe Works:

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a winner because it captures all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish. The combination of ground beef, cheese, pickles, and hamburger buns creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover hamburger buns!

Making it Kid-Friendly:

This recipe is already pretty kid-friendly, but here are a few tips to make it even more appealing to picky eaters:

• Cut the pickles into smaller pieces: Some kids don’t like large chunks of pickles, so cutting them into smaller pieces can make them more palatable.
• Use mild cheddar cheese: Strong cheddar cheese can be overwhelming for some kids, so using a mild cheddar cheese is a good option.
• Omit the onion and bell pepper: If your kids don’t like onions or bell peppers, you can simply leave them out.
• Serve with their favorite dipping sauces: Ketchup, mustard, and ranch dressing are all great dipping sauces for this casserole.
• Get them involved in the preparation: Kids are more likely to eat something they helped make, so get them involved in the process of assembling the casserole.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerating: Store leftover Cheeseburger Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Troubleshooting:

• Casserole is too dry: If the casserole seems dry, add a little more milk or beef broth to the meat mixture before baking.
• Casserole is too watery: If the casserole is too watery, drain off any excess liquid before adding the cheese and buns.
• Buns are burning: If the buns are browning too

  Conclusion:

  This Cheeseburger Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds! Seriously, from the savory ground beef to the gooey, melted cheese and the comforting pasta base, it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that perfectly captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger, but in a fun, easy-to-make casserole form. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. Are you a fan of crispy bacon? Crumble some cooked bacon on top before baking for an extra layer of smoky goodness. Do you like a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sauté some diced onions, peppers, or mushrooms along with the ground beef. The possibilities are endless! Serving Suggestions and Variations: This Cheeseburger Casserole is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with some complementary sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Or, for a heartier meal, serve it with some crispy onion rings or a side of coleslaw. Here are a few more variations to get your creative juices flowing: * Pizza Cheeseburger Casserole: Add a layer of pepperoni slices and sprinkle with Italian seasoning before baking. * Mexican Cheeseburger Casserole: Use taco seasoning instead of the usual spices for the ground beef, and top with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole after baking. * Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Casserole: Mix in some ranch dressing with the ground beef mixture and top with crumbled bacon before baking. * Deluxe Cheeseburger Casserole: Add diced tomatoes, pickles, and shredded lettuce after baking for a truly authentic cheeseburger experience. I’m confident that this recipe will become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef or pasta. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Don’t be shy – give this Cheeseburger Casserole recipe a try! And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? Did your family love it as much as mine does? Share your photos and comments below. Let’s create a community of Cheeseburger Casserole enthusiasts! I can’t wait to see what delicious variations you come up with. Happy cooking! Print

  Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

  

  Print Recipe

  Family-friendly comfort food! This easy cheeseburger casserole combines ground beef, macaroni, cheese, pickles, and toasted hamburger buns for a satisfying meal.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup dill pickle slices, chopped
  • Sesame seed hamburger buns, toasted and cubed (about 4 buns)

  Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Crumble as it cooks and drain off any excess grease.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Mix the Sauce with the Meat and Vegetables: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Combine the Macaroni and Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the meat mixture. Stir well to coat the macaroni.
  7. Add Cheese and Pickles: Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped dill pickle slices to the macaroni and meat mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and meat mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
  9. Top with Buns and Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the cubed, toasted sesame seed hamburger buns evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the buns.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The buns should be lightly golden brown.
  11. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

  Notes

  • Don’t overcook the macaroni; cook it al dente.
  • Toast the hamburger buns before adding them to the casserole to prevent sogginess.
  • Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You could also add bacon bits for extra flavor.
  • You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • This casserole can also be frozen for later. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.