If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for simple, hearty meals that make everyone at the table happy — and this Cheeseburger Casserole absolutely hits the mark. It’s packed with all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger but served up in a warm, cheesy bake that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

You know those nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to stand over the stove flipping burgers for an hour? This casserole is your answer. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up with pantry staples, and it feeds a crowd — making it a total lifesaver for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even lazy Sunday dinners.

When I first made this casserole, my family couldn’t believe how much it tasted like a cheeseburger. Every bite is rich, savory, cheesy, and a little bit nostalgic — like your favorite diner burger but even better because it’s baked into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Let’s dive right into the magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced finely
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 cups water
3 beef bouillon cubes
2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbsp dried parsley

STEP 1: Prep Your Oven and Broth

First things first — preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want it nice and hot so that cheese melts perfectly later on.

While the oven is heating, let’s get the broth ready. Combine 2 cups of water with 3 beef bouillon cubes in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 4 minutes until the bouillon cubes are fully dissolved. This flavorful broth is going to make your pasta extra savory and delicious.

STEP 2: Cook the Beef

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and start breaking it apart as it cooks. You’re looking for a nice brown color here — no pink spots left. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep things from getting too oily.

STEP 3: Add Flavor

Now it’s time to build those classic cheeseburger flavors! To the skillet with the beef, add your diced onion, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Keep stirring and cooking until the onions turn soft and translucent.

Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!

STEP 4: Bring in the Saucy Goodness

Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!). Mix everything together so all that savory, tangy goodness gets distributed evenly through the beef.

How to Finish and Bake the Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole

Alright, now that we’ve got that delicious beefy base ready, it’s time to pull everything together. This is where the magic happens — tender macaroni, creamy sauce, and layer after layer of melty cheese. If you thought it smelled good before, just wait until it hits the oven!

Let’s keep going!

STEP 5: Add the Pasta and Broth

Once your beef mixture is looking saucy and flavorful, stir in the dry elbow macaroni right into the skillet. No need to pre-boil the pasta — it’s going to cook right in all that savory beef broth we made earlier.

Pour the broth over the beef and pasta mixture, give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is well coated, and then cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom.

STEP 6: Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is tender and looking amazing, stir in the sour cream and whole milk. This little step adds a creamy, rich texture that makes the casserole extra decadent.

Give it a good mix until everything is evenly combined. The beef, the pasta, the creamy sauce — it all starts coming together into one irresistible mixture.

STEP 7: Layer It Up

Now it’s time to build that casserole!

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Start by spreading half of the beef and pasta mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese over the first layer. The more even you can make it, the better that cheesy pull is going to be later.

Then, add the rest of the beef mixture on top and finish it off with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s basically a big, cheesy hug waiting to happen.

STEP 8: Bake to Melty, Bubbling Perfection

Slide your casserole into the preheated 400°F oven and bake it for about 10 minutes — just long enough for the cheese to melt and get beautifully bubbly.

If you like your cheese a little golden and crispy around the edges (and honestly, who doesn’t?), you can leave it in for an extra couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

STEP 9: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole comes out of the oven, sprinkle a little dried parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of herby flavor.

Let it sit for a few minutes before scooping and serving — it helps everything set up a bit, and trust me, it’s worth the short wait.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole

Use good quality beef: Since beef is the star of the show, picking a lean but flavorful ground beef makes a big difference.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember, it will cook a little more in the oven. You want it just tender, not mushy.
Mix up the cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, you can absolutely get creative. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little pepper jack would be delicious.
Spice it up: If your family loves a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy schedules!