Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

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When you’re craving the flavor of a juicy cheeseburger but want the comfort of a baked pasta, this Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole is exactly what hits the spot. It’s hearty, cheesy, and a total crowd-pleaser. From picky kids to adults needing a nostalgic bite, this dish covers it all in one creamy, savory, pasta-filled pan.

This casserole is the ultimate blend of cozy and classic. It brings together seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a melty cheddar cheese sauce that bakes into bubbling perfection. Quick enough for busy weeknights and satisfying enough for a weekend indulgence, it’s bound to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

This casserole is a one-dish wonder. It uses pantry staples and comes together without fuss. You get all the flavors of a cheeseburger—beef, cheese, ketchup, mustard—layered with pasta to turn it into a complete meal. It also reheats beautifully, making it a strong contender for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheeseburger Casserole?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells hold the sauce best, giving each bite the ideal blend of beefy, cheesy flavor. Choose something that holds its shape well when baked. If you want a more traditional feel, elbow macaroni fits the classic burger-and-cheese vibe.

Ingredients for the Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

This dish relies on a combination of pantry and fridge staples to deliver its rich flavor and creamy texture. It’s designed for simplicity and comfort, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Tomato paste
• Ketchup
• Yellow mustard
• Beef broth
• Elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
• Cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Pickles (optional)

The ground beef is the base protein that brings the cheeseburger flavor. Onion and garlic enhance the meatiness, while salt, pepper, and paprika give it depth. Tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard mimic classic burger condiments, and beef broth keeps everything juicy. Pasta bulks up the meal, and the creamy duo of cheddar and cream cheese brings the casserole together.

How To Make the Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it begins to brown. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Make it Saucy

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a light simmer. Stir in cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well until fully coated. Transfer everything to a casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

If you like a little tang, sprinkle chopped pickles on top before serving. Serve hot and enjoy that cheeseburger-pasta goodness!

Serving and Storing Your Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

This comforting casserole serves 6 to 8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or gathering around the table. Serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole?

Classic Green Salad

A fresh green salad with crisp lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes balances out the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread

Cheesy, buttery garlic bread is always a welcome side to scoop up extra sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

A simple tray of roasted broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and roasts quickly while your casserole bakes.

Coleslaw

Cool, creamy coleslaw gives a tangy contrast and picnic-style vibe to the meal.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

In summer months, sweet grilled corn makes this dish feel like a BBQ in casserole form.

Sweet Potato Fries

Go full diner-style by pairing it with sweet potato fries for a sweet and salty combo.

Pickle Spears

It wouldn’t be a cheeseburger-inspired dish without pickles. Add them as a side or chopped on top.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole, you’ll want to try these delicious comfort-food favorites next:

• Try the creamy, cheesy twist of our Low Carb Chicken Casserole
• Indulge in nostalgic vibes with Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
• Craving bold spice? Don’t miss our Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
• For a lighter twist, explore Lemon Chicken Veggie Orzo Stir Fry
• Need another beefy bake? Check out Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Add bacon or jalapeños? Swap pasta types?

I love seeing how everyone makes these recipes their own. Drop your version below, and let’s keep dinner time creative and comforting.

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger pasta dinner casserole is more than a shortcut meal—it’s a feel-good classic that combines comfort, convenience, and flavor in every cheesy bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers on taste and ease. With everyday ingredients and no-fuss instructions, it’s sure to become a go-to in your rotation.

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