There are nights that I just don’t want to cook for my family. I still love them and food, but I just don’t have it in me to cook supper. We have all felt this way I know. And I know this because we’re all looking up quick and easy recipes on Pinterest, or we’re heading out the door to grab fast food. It’s all part of this thing called motherhood.
Normally for me this where my simple chicken and veggies meal comes in handy, or where Hubby comes in handy and makes something like this: Cheeseburger Casserole.
Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step
Cheeseburger Casserole
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The great thing about this meal? You can load it full of vegetables for your kids to eat. For you to eat. For everyone to eat without anyone really being any the wiser about how “healthy” it can be.
Add in some of the usually cheeseburger toppings: ketchup, mustard, if you like relish as well, just wait on adding that until you read on.
Add in your diced tomatoes.
Add in cooked pasta. Dump it into your casserole dish, top with cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Sprinkle diced pickle over the top and serve. While it may not be a one dish meal, it is still great.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Casseroles make mealtime easier. Finding one full of flavor and one that everyone likes can be a challenge. Cheeseburger casserole can do it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups 6 ounces uncooked rotini pasta (spiral pasta)
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 pound 95% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 4-5 large Roma tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cups low fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Boil the pasta in a large pot according to packaged directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet on medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and saute until onions are transparent. Add the garlic and stir about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef and fully cook through until brown. If using 95% lean ground beef, there is no need to drain. But if you are using a less fat version, drain the fat and return to the stove.
- Stir in the seasoned salt, ketchup and mustard until well combined. Add the chopped tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 2 minutes or until the mixture is thickened.
- Add the cooked and drained noodles to the meat and stir well. Pour into the prepared baking pan and evenly sprinkle the cheese across the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or until cheese has melted. Remove from the oven and slightly cool before serving. Top with chopped dill pickle.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Cheeseburger Casserole Add-Ons, Ingredient Swaps & Mom-Approved Tips
As a mom who loves seeing her kids race to the dinner table with big smiles, I’m always looking for ways to make our family favorites even better—especially when it comes to hearty, comforting meals like cheeseburger casserole. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or feeding picky eaters, this flexible, budget-friendly dish can be tailored to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Here are my favorite ingredient substitutions, add-ons, and time-saving tips to make this easy cheeseburger casserole recipe even more delicious—and perfect for Google search discovery too!
Ingredient Alternatives for Cheeseburger Casserole
1. Ground Beef Swaps:
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner, lower-fat option.
- For plant-based families, try meatless crumbles or lentils as a vegetarian alternative.
2. Cheese Options:
- While classic shredded cheddar is a go-to, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a cheddar-Mozzarella blend for extra creaminess.
- Want a little spice? Mix in some pepper jack cheese.
3. Pasta Choices:
- Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can easily use penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly here for celiac-friendly families.
4. Sauce Substitutes:
- Instead of condensed soup, use a homemade cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for that nostalgic cheeseburger flavor!
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
To boost both nutrition and flavor, try stirring in or topping with:
- Cooked bacon crumbles (because everything’s better with bacon!)
- Diced pickles for a tangy cheeseburger twist
- Chopped onions or sautéed mushrooms
- Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes (add after baking for freshness)
- Crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or panko breadcrumbs on top for that perfect golden crust
- Ketchup or mustard drizzle right before serving for a true cheeseburger finish
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Moms
As a busy mom myself, I know the power of a freezer-friendly casserole.
- Double the batch and freeze one for later! Just assemble everything in a foil tray, skip the baking, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen at 375°F, covered with foil for 45 minutes, then uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why This Cheeseburger Casserole Is a Mom’s Best Friend
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Uses budget-friendly pantry staples
- Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep
- Makes great leftovers for school lunches
- Easily customizable for food allergies or dietary restrictions