Name: Cheeseburger Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 bunch chopped green onions (separate greens and whites); 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder); 1 packet ranch dip mix; 15 ounce can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 1 pound small dried pasta (e.g., ziti); 8 ounce cream cheese, cut into cubes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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If you’re craving all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want the ease of a one-pan meal, this Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect solution. Loaded with ground beef, tender pasta, tangy tomato and mustard sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s quick to make, full of bold flavors, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Cheeseburger Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal – Minimal dishes and easy cleanup.
Quick to make – Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Kid-approved – A guaranteed hit with children and picky eaters alike.
Comfort food classic – All the flavors of a cheeseburger in cozy casserole form.
Hearty and filling – Packed with protein, pasta, and cheese.
Customizable – Add your favorite burger toppings or seasonings.
Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepped in advance and baked later.
Oven-finished – Melty cheese topping and bubbly edges for that perfect finish.
No side needed – A complete meal in itself.
Perfect for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 bunch chopped green onions, separate greens and whites
2–3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 packet ranch dip mix
15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 pound small dried pasta (such as ziti)
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Chop the green onions and separate the white parts from the green tops. Mince the garlic.
In a large oven-safe skillet (12–14 inches), set over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
When the beef is mostly cooked, add the onion whites and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the ranch dip mix, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Increase heat to high and pour in the beef broth and dried pasta.
Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for 5–8 minutes or until al dente.
Stir in the cream cheese and green onion tops. Mix until the cream cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
Serve warm straight from the skillet.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Pickle lover’s twist: Top with sliced pickles after baking.
Different cheese: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
Low-carb option: Swap the pasta with cooked cauliflower or a low-carb pasta alternative.
Taco-style: Add taco seasoning and top with crushed tortilla chips.
Vegetable boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
BBQ flavor: Replace Worcestershire sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Ketchup touch: Add a tablespoon of ketchup for a more classic burger taste.
Double meat: Combine ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions or in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per serving, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Is the ranch dip mix necessary?

It adds great flavor, but if you don’t have it, use a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute with sour cream or a cheese sauce, though the texture may vary slightly.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I cook this in a regular pan?

Yes, just transfer everything to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.

Will this work without baking?

Yes, you can skip the oven step and serve right from the stovetop. The cheese won’t be bubbly, but it’ll still taste great.

What’s the best beef to use?

A lean ground beef (80–90% lean) works best to avoid excessive grease.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely. Try paprika, smoked salt, or Italian seasoning to tweak the flavor.

How do I make this more “burger-like”?

Top with sesame seeds before baking or serve with chopped pickles and shredded lettuce on the side.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Casserole brings all the flavors of a classic burger into a creamy, cheesy, pasta-packed dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes. With its rich sauce, comforting texture, and family-friendly appeal, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for easy weeknight comfort food, this casserole checks all the boxes.