Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

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When I’m craving something comforting, cheesy, and downright satisfying, I always turn to my go-to: Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole. It’s everything you love about a classic cheeseburger — melty cheese, savory ground beef, and tangy ketchup flavors — but baked into a hearty, creamy pasta dish that feeds a hungry crowd. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with enthusiasm.

I created this casserole on a busy weeknight when I had leftover ground beef and a half-empty box of pasta staring at me. A few pantry staples, some shredded cheese, and one baking dish later, this family favorite was born. It’s rich, comforting, and exactly what you want to dig into after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

This recipe is a total lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal that satisfies. It’s quick to put together, uses basic ingredients, and is incredibly forgiving. Plus, the flavor is a total crowd-pleaser — kids and adults alike devour it. It has that nostalgic, diner-style cheeseburger flavor with the bonus of gooey, baked pasta.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

I find that shell pasta works best for this casserole because it holds onto the cheesy meat sauce so well. However, elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne are all solid alternatives. The key is to use a pasta shape that has curves or grooves, so every bite is loaded with flavor.

Options for Substitutions

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lighten it up by swapping the ground beef with leaner meat.
• Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella for extra melt, or pepper jack if you want a kick.
• Pasta Type: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too.
• Add-Ins: Toss in sautéed onions, diced pickles, or chopped bacon for more layers of cheeseburger flavor.
• Tomato Sauce vs. Ketchup: If you prefer less sweetness, use plain tomato sauce or even tomato paste with a splash of vinegar.

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Ingredients for this Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

• Ground beef: The base of the casserole, bringing that rich, meaty cheeseburger flavor.
• Pasta shells: Perfect for catching the sauce and meat in every bite.
• Onion: Adds depth and classic cheeseburger aroma.
• Garlic: Enhances the savory taste with just a little bite.
• Ketchup: Brings that familiar tangy-sweet cheeseburger element.
• Mustard: A touch of sharpness that mimics the classic burger topping.
• Tomato sauce: Helps create a hearty, rich sauce that coats the pasta.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that bold, cheesy topping.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and balances cheddar’s sharpness.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Optional: Pickles or bacon: For that extra cheeseburger twist.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta shells until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook them since they’ll continue to soften in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic

To the cooked beef, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Sauce

Add the ketchup, mustard, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper. This mixture should smell exactly like a cheeseburger at this point.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

In a large mixing bowl (or directly in your casserole dish if it’s big enough), mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until everything is combined evenly.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking to set slightly. Then serve hot and enjoy the gooey, cheeseburger-flavored deliciousness.

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How Long to Prepare the Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Prep Time: The preparation takes about 15–20 minutes. That includes boiling the pasta, chopping onions and garlic, and browning the beef. Since everything is done in parallel, it’s a manageable and efficient process.

Cooking Time: Once assembled, the casserole bakes for about 20–25 minutes in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly. You’ll also want to allow 5 minutes for it to rest before serving, so the dish sets and slices easily.

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Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

• Undercook the pasta just slightly to prevent mushiness after baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Don’t skip the mustard — it enhances the classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Simmer the sauce to deepen the flavor and help it thicken before combining with pasta.
• For a golden crust, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: It can become too soft during baking.
• Skipping the seasoning: Ground beef and sauce need a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
• Using too much sauce: It can overwhelm the dish and make it soggy.
• Not draining the beef: Excess grease will make the casserole oily.
• Baking too long: This dries out the casserole — watch for golden, not burnt, cheese.

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What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole?

1. Simple Green Salad

A crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette keeps things fresh and balances the richness.

2. Garlic Bread

Buttery garlic bread makes a perfect sidekick and is great for scooping up extra cheesy bits.

3. Roasted Veggies

Think broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts — lightly seasoned and roasted until tender.

4. Dill Pickles

Yes, really! A few crunchy pickles on the side give you that authentic cheeseburger vibe.

5. Coleslaw

A creamy or tangy slaw adds texture and a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Freeze: You can freeze the fully cooked casserole. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?

Cheddar is the classic choice for flavor, but combining it with mozzarella adds a gooey stretchiness that’s irresistible.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter options. Even plant-based crumbles work well.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Of course. Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach mix in well with the meat sauce.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole is comfort food at its best — cheesy, hearty, and easy to pull together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving that burger-meets-pasta magic. With its rich, meaty sauce and bubbly, cheesy top, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with a few simple sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that hits every note of savory satisfaction.

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