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Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 3 reviews

Oh, you’re going to love this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe! It’s that cozy, all-in-one dinner that tastes just like sinking your teeth into a juicy cheeseburger, but with all the ease of a casserole. Whether you’re juggling weeknight chaos or craving comfort food on a chilly evening, this casserole delivers every time. I remember pulling this out of the oven after a long day, and the whole kitchen smelling like my favorite burger joint—no grill required!

What makes this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe truly special is how it combines hearty ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and savory flavors in a creamy pasta bake topped with golden, buttery bread cubes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you just want to spoil yourself with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard delivers that classic cheeseburger tang without being overpowering.
  • Creamy & Hearty: Heavy cream and beef broth create a rich sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, making each bite comforting.
  • Texture Contrast: Cubed hamburger buns on top give a golden, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and gooey cheese.
  • One-Pot Convenience: Cooking everything in one pot means minimal cleanup, saving you time after enjoying this delicious meal.
The image shows a black skillet filled with a baked pasta dish that has two main layers. The bottom layer has spiral pasta mixed with cooked ground meat, both brown and textured, covered lightly with melted cheese. The top layer consists of golden brown baked bread cubes with melted cheddar cheese and sesame seeds on top, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with blurred red tomatoes and green leaves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe plays its part to create those familiar burger flavors with a comforting twist. I always recommend using fresh, quality ingredients—especially the cheddar cheese and ground beef—to get the best taste and texture.

  • Ground beef (90/10): The fat content here is perfect for juicy, flavorful beef without too much grease.
  • Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasonings that bring out the savory depth without competing with the main flavors.
  • White onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed, balancing the rich beef.
  • Salted butter: For richness and to help cook the flour for the roux, adding body to the sauce.
  • All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it’s creamy and clings well to the pasta.
  • Rotini pasta: Its twists are perfect for grabbing that cheesy, meaty sauce – fusilli or penne can work too!
  • Beef broth: Boosts the meaty flavor while keeping the sauce light enough not to be heavy.
  • Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to balance the tangy ketchup and mustard mix.
  • Ketchup: Provides sweetness and that familiar burger “ketchup” flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: A depth booster that adds savory umami complexity.
  • Yellow mustard: Gives a sharp, tangy kick that brightens the whole dish.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheese is essential to get that perfect cheeseburger taste.
  • Hamburger buns (cubed): Creates a crunchy, buttery topping when baked—like croutons for your casserole.
  • Dill pickles (optional): Chopped pickles stirred in or sprinkled on top add a nice briny bite that mimics a burger experience.
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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

One of my favorite things about this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add a twist that suits your taste buds—no judgment here! I’ve found that little tweaks make it even more special.

  • Ground turkey or chicken: If you want a leaner version, I swapped beef for turkey once and was surprised how well it worked with the seasoning.
  • Spice it up: Adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can give this casserole a smoky, spicy edge that’s fantastic.
  • Cheese variations: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a melty, gooey fun texture with a bit of heat.
  • Pickle lovers: If you enjoy that tangy pickle flavor, stir some chopped pickles right into the casserole before baking instead of just on top.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Sauté the Onions

Start by heating your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Throw in the ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until it’s almost browned, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add your diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent—this step adds a sweet, savory base that really lifts the flavors.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Add Pasta & Liquids

Once the onions are perfect, melt in your butter and stir in the flour. Cook that for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste—it’ll thicken the sauce beautifully. Then add the rotini pasta, beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Give it a good stir and let it simmer with a lid on. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking, and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Turn off the heat and evenly scatter the cubed hamburger buns on top. Then sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese over that. Add chopped dill pickles if you love that pickle zing like I do. Pop the whole skillet into a 350°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the bread cubes turn golden and the cheese bubbles and melts.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

After baking, I like to let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set a little so serving is easier, plus those flavors get to mingle just a bit more. Then dive in and enjoy the cozy cheeseburger comfort—hope you love it as much as I do!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour in butter first avoids a raw flour taste and makes the sauce silky.
  • Use Oven-Safe Cookware: I use my enameled cast iron pot to both cook and bake, saving dishes.
  • Watch the Pasta: Stir occasionally while simmering so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  • Add Pickles Last: For a bright crunch, sprinkle pickles on top after baking or mix in just before serving.

How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

A black cast iron skillet holds a layered dish starting with a base of spiral pasta in a light brown sauce mixed with ground beef, mostly visible on the right side; the middle layer is melted yellow cheddar cheese that covers the center, topped with golden brown toasted crouton-like bread cubes sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a beige textured cloth beneath. Around the skillet are two sesame seed buns to the upper left, a clear jar of pickle slices, four red tomatoes on green stems to the upper right, dark green leafy lettuce to the lower left, and a black serving spoon near the skillet’s handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine with extra shredded cheddar, a few fresh dill pickle slices, and sometimes a drizzle of ketchup or mustard if folks want it extra saucy. If you’re feeling playful, chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits add a delicious pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is rich and filling, I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance things out. A side of crispy oven-baked fries or even sweet potato fries echoes the cheeseburger vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special nights, I’ve baked it in individual ramekins topped with mini hamburger buns for a fun single-serve twist. It’s great for parties because everyone gets their own cheesy, burger-filled personal casserole—and it looks super cute on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, but be sure to cover it so the bread topping doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times without any loss in texture or flavor—just pop it in a freezer-safe container before baking or after fully cooled. When thawed, it reheats beautifully in the oven.

Reheating

To keep the cheesy bread topping crispy, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes rather than the microwave. It brings back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe and keeps everything tasting delicious.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta for the Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?

    Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even shells will work well here. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it might vary slightly depending on the pasta.

  2. Is this casserole suitable for freezing and make-ahead meals?

    Yes, this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole freezes wonderfully. You can prepare it fully or partially (before adding the bread cubes and cheese) and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a quick, comforting meal.

  3. Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?

    Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat substitutes can be used if you want something lighter or vegetarian-friendly. Just adjust seasoning to taste, as some alternatives might be milder.

  4. What if I don’t have hamburger buns for the topping?

    If buns aren’t on hand, you can use cubed bread from any sturdy loaf (like a French baguette or sourdough). Toss the cubes in melted butter before adding them on top to get that golden crunch after baking.

  5. How spicy is this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?

    It’s not spicy by default—it’s all about savory and tangy with classic cheeseburger flavors. But feel free to add chili powder, smoked paprika, or hot sauce if you like a little heat!

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug from my kitchen every time I make it. It’s easy, satisfying, and has just the right amount of cheeseburger nostalgia without the fuss of flipping patties or running to a drive-thru. I hope you try it soon and find it becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again when you want comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one dish. Happy cooking, friend!

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Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty, creamy pasta bake topped with toasted bread cubes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner, this recipe features ground beef, rotini pasta, and a rich sauce infused with ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 90/10 preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 medium white onion, diced

Sauce and Pasta

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Toppings

  • 4 hamburger buns, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large oven-safe enameled cast iron pot, braiser pan, or deep 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 1/2 pounds ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the diced white onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Make Roux: Add 2 tablespoons salted butter to the beef and onion mixture and let it melt completely. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring frequently to form a roux.
  4. Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in 8 ounces rotini pasta, 4 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons yellow mustard. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Simmer Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
  6. Add Toppings: Remove from heat. Top the casserole evenly with 4 cubed hamburger buns, sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and add 1/2 cup chopped sliced dill pickles if using.
  7. Bake: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread cubes are golden brown.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and for easier portioning.

Notes

  • Use ground beef with 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio for a juicy but not greasy casserole.
  • Substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if desired.
  • Optional dill pickles add a tangy flavor reminiscent of a cheeseburger; omit if preferred.
  • To speed up prep, use pre-diced onions or onion powder as a substitute.
  • Ensure to use an oven-safe skillet or pot for stovetop-to-oven cooking.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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