Think of all the best parts of biting into a juicy cheeseburger—savory meat, gooey cheddar, tangy ketchup, with a punch of pickle and a whisper of onion—now imagine them all mingling together in a single, cozy dish. That dream is real with this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole, your ticket to classic diner flavors made gloriously simple and shockingly quick. Not only is it a weeknight miracle (hello, thirty minutes!), but cleanup is a breeze, and you’ll have everyone lining up for seconds. It’s comfort food with a playful twist that never fails to win over kids and grown-ups alike.

One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With such a lovable, fuss-free recipe, it’s all about working with the basics and making each ingredient count. Every item here plays a crucial role, from the richness of the beef to the creaminess of the cheese, tying the One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole together in perfect harmony.

Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty, flavorful star that provides all the classic cheeseburger richness.
Onion, diced (1 small): Sweet and savory, it melts into the beef and deepens the casserole’s flavor.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds that unmistakable punch and savory aroma.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat and heightens the savory notes.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a mild, smoky warmth.
Mustard powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle tang you’d find on a good cheeseburger.
Beef broth (2 cups): Brings everything together and ensures the macaroni cooks perfectly.
Can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Offers acidity, color, and that familiar “burger” vibe.
Elbow macaroni, uncooked (2 cups): Soaks up all the meaty, cheesy flavors and gives the dish its signature casserole heartiness.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): The secret ingredient for classic cheeseburger zing.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into luscious, creamy pockets throughout the casserole.
Pickles, chopped (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkled on top for a briny crunch and burger authenticity.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh color and a gentle herbal finish.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, letting them sizzle and mingle. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to break apart the meat until it crumbles and browns beautifully. If you see extra grease pooling at the bottom, go ahead and drain some off—this keeps your One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole from getting heavy or soggy.

Step 2: Season with Flavor

When the beef is gloriously browned and the onions are tender, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Let this mixture cook for a minute. You’ll smell the transformation as the garlic takes the lead, backed up by those classic burger spice notes—this is when the kitchen starts to smell irresistible!

Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients and Macaroni

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (juice and all), uncooked macaroni, and ketchup. Stir well so everything is evenly mixed. The macaroni will soak up the flavors as it cooks, so it’s important the ingredients are well-combined. Raise the heat to bring things just to a bubbly boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, drop the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, peeking in and stirring every couple of minutes to make sure nothing sticks. The magic happens here—the pasta softens and everything thickens into a gloriously saucy skillet meal.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Take the pot off the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts and swirls into the casserole, creating a gooey, cheesy blanket that pulls all the flavors together. If you want it extra cheesy (go on, treat yourself!), now’s the time to toss in a little more.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the finished One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole to bowls, then give it the final burger flourish—chopped pickles on top for a savory zing, and sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Dig in while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Garnishes

Don’t skip the toppings—they’re your chance to personalize every bowl! Chopped dill pickles deliver on that signature cheeseburger tang, and a sprinkle of parsley wakes everything up with fresh flavor and vibrant color. For a little extra flair, go wild with sliced green onions or even a tiny dollop of your favorite burger sauce.

Side Dishes

This casserole is plenty hearty on its own, but it’s also a social butterfly, pairing well with everything from a snappy green salad to classic oven fries or crispy tater tots. A side of simple coleslaw or corn on the cob will bring a fun, picnic-style vibe to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try scooping the One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole into mini ramekins for individual servings, or make it a party spread with a toppings bar—think extra cheese, bacon bits, jalapeños, and crunchy lettuce. You can even stuff leftovers into slider buns for a unique, crowd-pleasing snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole cool to room temperature, then scoop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or a speedy dinner.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a champ! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. They’ll stay perfectly tasty for up to 2 months. Just remember, the texture of the macaroni may soften a touch after thawing, but the flavors are still on point.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat portions gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen things up. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If you’ve loaded on the cheese, you might want an extra sprinkle before serving to regain that melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole if you’re looking for a lighter spin. Just keep an eye on the seasoning and maybe ramp up the spices a smidge to balance its milder flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking or sticking?

Stirring occasionally during simmering keeps the macaroni from sticking to the bottom, and covering the skillet helps cook it evenly. Taste a piece before turning off the heat—it should be just tender.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Sure thing! Swap in your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta, and double-check that your beef broth and ketchup are certified gluten-free. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking time, so taste for doneness.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini sneak in some extra color and nutrition. Sauté them along with the onions to let them start softening before adding everything else.

What’s the best way to reheat One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole for maximum cheesiness?

If you want that fresh-melted cheddar feel, sprinkle a little extra cheese over the top before reheating, cover, and warm until thoroughly hot and the cheese is bubbling. The microwave and stovetop both work, but covering helps lock in moisture and melty texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for something deliciously nostalgic, easy to whip up, and almost guaranteed to gather everyone at the table with smiles, this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is the answer. Try it once, and you just might have a new family staple ready to answer every “what’s for dinner?” with real excitement!

One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in an easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder

Remaining Ingredients:

2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder; cook until fragrant.
Cook Pasta: Add beef broth, tomatoes, macaroni, and ketchup. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until creamy.
Finish and Serve: Top with pickles, parsley, and serve hot.