If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to prepare, this Cheeseburger Casserole is about to become your new go-to family dinner. It’s everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—beefy, cheesy, tomatoey goodness—baked into a bubbly, satisfying casserole that fills the whole house with mouthwatering aroma.

Simple, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even make-ahead meal prep. Plus, with just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, it comes together quickly and feeds a crowd.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole

Easy & Fast: Less than 10 ingredients and under an hour from start to finish.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheeseburger-inspired flavor.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish—fewer dishes!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time, then bake when you’re ready.
Cheesy, Meaty, Comforting: The ultimate cold-weather dinner (but great year-round).

🧾 Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s go over what makes this recipe so craveable and how each ingredient contributes:

🍖 1 Pound of Ground Beef

Ground beef is the heart of this dish, giving it that signature “cheeseburger” flavor. Use lean beef (85% or 90%) for less grease, or sub in ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian twist.

🍅 2 Cans of Tomato Soup

This is the sauce that ties everything together. Tomato soup gives the casserole a tangy-sweet base that pairs beautifully with cheese and beef. Use condensed soup straight from the can.

Pro Tip: If you prefer less sweetness, you can replace one can with plain tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.

🧀 3 Cups of Cheese (Any Will Work)

Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend—it’s all fair game here. Use whatever you have on hand. Reserve half of the cheese for the melty, bubbly topping.

🍝 1 Pound of Shell Pasta

Shells are perfect because they hold little pockets of cheesy sauce. But penne, rotini, or elbows work great too. Be sure to cook the pasta until just al dente.

💧 Reserved Pasta Water

Adding some pasta water to the mix helps loosen the casserole and keeps it creamy, even after baking.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil 1 pound of shell pasta in salted water until just al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat if necessary.

3. Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or the skillet (off the heat), combine:

Cooked beef
Cooked pasta
2 cans tomato soup
Half the 3 cups of cheese
A splash of reserved pasta water (start with ½ cup, add more if needed)

Mix until everything is coated in cheesy, tomatoey goodness.

4. Transfer to Casserole Dish

Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top.

5. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the casserole. This creates the golden, bubbly crust everyone loves.

6. Bake

Bake in a 375°F oven:

Covered for 20 minutes to let everything meld
Uncovered for 10 minutes to brown the top

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up perfectly.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

Side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Pickles or relish (yes—it’s a cheeseburger after all!)
Corn or green beans for a veggie side

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Freezer:

Let the baked casserole cool completely.
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes.

🔄 Variations & Add-Ins

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ways to customize:

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add cooked crumbled bacon.
Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Pickle Power: Add diced pickles before baking or serve on top.
Loaded Version: Mix in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Casserole is exactly what comfort food should be—easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something absolutely crave-worthy. Keep this recipe in your rotation for those nights when you want to feed your people with something warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying.

One bite in and you’ll understand why this casserole deserves a permanent spot on your dinner table.