Quick & Cheesy: The Family-Friendly Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole promises comfort and nostalgia in every delightful bite.

Memories of backyard barbecues dance through this hearty dish.

Childhood favorites meet home-cooked convenience with surprising ease.

Layers of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy edges invite pure satisfaction.

Familiar ingredients blend into a crowd-pleasing meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Quick preparation means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious moments together.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that turns classic burger flavors into a comforting casserole sensation.

Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the hearty foundation of this casserole and provides rich, savory flavor.
• Onions: These aromatic vegetables add depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the overall taste and bring out the beef's natural flavors.
• Ketchup, Mustard: These tangy condiments add zesty brightness and classic burger-style taste to the meat mixture.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft bread pieces create layers and absorb the creamy mixture, transforming into a delicious casserole base.
• Milk, Heavy Cream, Eggs: This smooth liquid mixture binds the casserole together and creates a rich, custard-like texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese provides a golden, gooey topping that adds creamy richness to the dish.

Steps For Making Cheeseburger Casserole At Home

Step 1: Brown Tasty Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble the ground beef into tiny pieces while cooking, ensuring no pink color remains. Cook thoroughly for 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Season the Beef Mixture

• Onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drain excess fat from the beef. Return meat to skillet and mix in the seasonings. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 3: Add Zesty Condiments

Stir ketchup and mustard into the beef, coating the meat evenly with tangy sauces.

Step 4: Create Creamy Liquid Base

Whisk together milk, heavy cream, and eggs in a mixing bowl until smooth and completely combined.

Step 5: Layer First Bun Bottom

Spread half of the hamburger bun pieces across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even foundation.

Step 6: Add Beef Layer

Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture uniformly over the bun base.

Step 7: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

Distribute half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.

Step 8: Create Second Bun Layer

Add the remaining hamburger bun pieces on top of the cheese.

Step 9: Pour Creamy Mixture

Slowly and evenly pour the milk, cream, and egg mixture across the entire casserole.

Step 10: Top with Remaining Cheese

Completely cover the surface with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

Tips To Level Up Cheeseburger Casserole

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Select Quality Beef: Choose ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor and juiciness in the casserole.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat after browning beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy and maintain a perfect texture.
• Egg Mixture Magic: Whisk milk, cream, and eggs until completely smooth to create a silky, consistent custard base that binds the casserole together.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer flavor profile.

Fun Versions Of Cheeseburger Casserole

• Vegetarian Burger Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning and layering technique for a meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bake: Substitute hamburger buns with cauliflower rice or zucchini rounds, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Burger Casserole: Use gluten-free bread or almond flour-based buns, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Burger Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation with an extra kick of heat.

Best Sides With Cheeseburger Casserole

• Pair Crisp Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or light lager that cuts through the rich, cheesy casserole, refreshing your palate with each bite and balancing the dish's hearty flavors.
• Serve Tangy Pickle Relish: Chop fresh dill pickles as a zesty side garnish, adding bright acidity and crunch that complements the creamy, meaty casserole texture.
• Create Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, providing a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the heavy, comforting casserole and adding nutritional balance.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus spears seasoned with garlic and olive oil, offering a nutritious and colorful accompaniment that adds nutritional variety.

How To Store Cheeseburger Casserole Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.

FAQs About Cheeseburger Casserole

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The casserole combines classic hamburger flavors kids love with a cheesy, comforting texture that makes it perfect for family meals.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef and can make the dish leaner.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for golden brown cheese on top and a set, slightly firm texture. The edges should be bubbling and the center should not appear liquid.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Why Cheeseburger Casserole Is Comfort In A Dish

• Crush Comfort Food Cravings: Transform classic cheeseburger flavors into a delightful, hearty casserole that delivers all the satisfaction without the messy burger-eating experience.
• Master Meal Prep Magic: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a no-fuss dinner solution that tastes like a gourmet treat.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or different cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep everyone excited about mealtime.
• Family Dinner Champion: Offers a fun twist on traditional burger night that brings everyone to the table, appealing to both kids and adults with its familiar, beloved flavors and simple, comforting presentation.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic American cuisine in this irresistible Cheeseburger Casserole that brings hearty flavors to your dinner table. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bread crumbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package hamburger bun pieces

Sauce and Binding:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef and return the meat to the skillet, adding diced onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Mix in ketchup and mustard, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the condiments and seasonings.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
6. Layer half of the hamburger bun pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
7. Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture uniformly over the bun layer.
8. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
9. Add the remaining hamburger bun pieces as a second layer.
10. Pour the milk, cream, and egg mixture slowly and evenly across the entire casserole.
11. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, covering the surface completely.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
13. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

• Customize the cheese by mixing sharp cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor complexity.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create lighter, leaner, or vegetarian versions of the casserole.
• Toast hamburger buns lightly before layering to enhance their texture and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Add chopped pickles or diced jalapeños between layers for a classic cheeseburger-inspired kick and additional texture variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg