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Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 59 reviews

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, you’ve got to try this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger got bored of the bun and jumped into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake — yum! Seriously, it hits all those crave-worthy notes: juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, melty cheddar, and that playful crunch of toasted hamburger buns on top.

What I adore about this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is that it’s a total crowd-pleaser and comes together with minimal fuss — perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for casual weekend dinners with family or friends. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a winner for meal prep, too.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • All-in-One Comfort: Combines pasta, meat, cheese, and bread perfectly, giving you that classic cheeseburger flavor in a hearty casserole form.
  • Balanced Flavors: Tangy pickles and mustard cut through the richness for a well-rounded taste without being overpowering.
  • Easy to Customize: You can swap cheeses, add veggies, or use different types of pasta to suit your family’s preferences.
  • One Dish Wonder: From browning the beef to baking the casserole, it all cooks in one pot or pan, which means less cleanup for you!
The image shows a black skillet filled with a baked pasta dish that has two main layers. The bottom layer has spiral pasta mixed with cooked ground meat, both brown and textured, covered lightly with melted cheese. The top layer consists of golden brown baked bread cubes with melted cheddar cheese and sesame seeds on top, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with blurred red tomatoes and green leaves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, all of which come together to mimic that beloved burger taste but with way more cheesy, saucy goodness. Here’s why each one counts:

  • Ground beef: The star of the dish, using 90/10 keeps it juicy without excess grease.
  • Salt, black pepper & garlic powder: These basic seasonings bring out the beef’s natural flavors.
  • White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed.
  • Salted butter: Creates richness for the roux and keeps flavors balanced.
  • All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into a creamy, burger-style gravy.
  • Rotini pasta: Its spirals hold onto all that delicious sauce.
  • Beef broth & heavy cream: Together, they form a saucy base that’s rich and savory.
  • Ketchup & yellow mustard: Classic burger condiments that give you that cheesy-meets-tangy flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth, enhancing the meatiness.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s essential for the gooey top layer.
  • Hamburger buns: Cubed and toasted on top for texture and that nostalgic burger bun flavor.
  • Dill pickles (optional): For that bright, briny crunch that balances the richness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you like it extra cheesy, want to sneak in some veggies, or need to cater to dietary needs, there’s room to make it truly yours.

  • Vegetable Add-ins: I’ve tossed in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms sometimes, and they blend right in without messing with the classic flavor.
  • Cheese Swaps: Feel free to use a sharper cheddar or even mix in some mozzarella for stretchier cheese pulls.
  • Lower Carb: Swap rotini for spiralized zucchini noodles if you’re looking to lighten it up.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños gave it a nice little edge when I craved something bold.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions

Start by heating your oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s just about browned but still juicy (around 4-5 minutes), add the diced onion. Cook the onions until they soften and become translucent — that usually takes about 5 minutes. This combo is the savory base that will flavor everything, so take your time developing those aromas.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base with Butter and Flour

Next, stir in the salted butter and let it melt completely. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes — this is your roux that’ll thicken the casserole sauce perfectly. Don’t rush this step; cooking out the raw flour taste is essential for a smooth, rich texture.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauces, Then Simmer

Pour in the rotini pasta along with beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire, and mustard. Stir everything together well, bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes. While it simmers, keep an occasional eye on it and gently stir to prevent sticking — the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Once the sauce is thick and the pasta’s just right, remove the pot from heat. Evenly scatter cubed hamburger buns over the top, then cover them with shredded cheddar cheese and optional chopped pickles for that signature burger tang. Pop it into your preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, uncovered. You’re looking for bubbly cheese and golden, toasty buns — that’s when you know it’s ready!

Step 5: Rest, Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest about 5 minutes before digging in. It’ll firm up a bit and be easier to serve, plus those melted flavors meld even more during the wait. You’re in for a rich, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that tastes like the best cheeseburger you’ve ever had — but in casserole form.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: I always use my enameled cast iron to prevent hot spots and get even cooking for the beef and sauce.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting it sit after baking makes serving easier and helps flavors deepen — it’s a small step with a big payoff.
  • Toast the Buns Separately: Sometimes I lightly toast the cubed buns beforehand for extra crunch, especially if they’re a bit soft.
  • Season Gradually: I season during the browning phase and adjust before baking to avoid an overly salty dish.

How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

A black cast iron skillet holds a layered dish starting with a base of spiral pasta in a light brown sauce mixed with ground beef, mostly visible on the right side; the middle layer is melted yellow cheddar cheese that covers the center, topped with golden brown toasted crouton-like bread cubes sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a beige textured cloth beneath. Around the skillet are two sesame seed buns to the upper left, a clear jar of pickle slices, four red tomatoes on green stems to the upper right, dark green leafy lettuce to the lower left, and a black serving spoon near the skillet’s handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep things classic here — more chopped dill pickles on top for that zing and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions for color and brightness. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of extra ketchup or mustard on the side for dipping bites. The garnishes balance the rich casserole and add fresh, tangy notes that brighten each mouthful.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty filling, so I usually serve it with something light and crisp, like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you want to amp up the burger vibe, toss in some homemade crispy oven fries or a coleslaw on the side — they add delicious texture contrasts and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

When I made this for a game day party, I served it in a cast iron skillet right from the oven, surrounded by small bowls of extra pickles, ketchup, and mustard for everyone to customize their bites. For a family dinner, I like to plate it up and add a fried egg on top — total comfort overload! Little touches like these make it feel special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. In my experience, this casserole keeps great in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When I reheat, I find it helps to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this casserole before, tightly wrapped in foil and then in a freezer bag. It freezes well for about 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly. Freezing might slightly soften the texture of the buns, but it still tastes delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually use the oven or toaster oven to revive that crispy topping (325-350°F for about 15 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too — just cover the dish loosely and zap in short intervals, stirring or fluffing the casserole between rounds for even warmth.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta in this Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?

    Absolutely! While rotini is great because its shape holds onto the sauce well, other short pasta like macaroni, penne, or shells will work perfectly too. Just keep in mind cooking times as some pasta cook faster or slower.

  2. Is it okay to skip the pickles in this recipe?

    Yes, the pickles are optional but I highly recommend including them if you can—they add that tangy crunch that balances the richness. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out without losing the overall deliciousness.

  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    You certainly can! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

  4. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

    Cooking the pasta al dente and letting the casserole rest after baking helps a lot. Also, toasting the hamburger bun cubes separately before topping can add extra crunch and reduce sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a busy day — nostalgic, satisfying, and just downright delicious. I love how it brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into one easy, cheesy dish that everyone swoons over. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple to make but feels special, give this one a try — I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender rotini pasta, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bread cubes baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family meal with classic cheeseburger flavors in a casserole form.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 90/10 preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 medium white onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns cubed
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles chopped, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In an oven-safe enameled cast iron pot, braiser pan, or deep 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until nearly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the diced white onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Create Roux: Add the salted butter to the beef mixture and allow it to fully melt. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the rotini pasta, beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Remove the pot from heat. Evenly distribute the cubed hamburger buns over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped dill pickles if using.
  7. Bake Casserole: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread cubes are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
  • Make sure to use an oven-safe pot or transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before baking.
  • Pickles are optional but add an authentic cheeseburger tanginess; omit if preferred.
  • To add extra flavor, consider topping with cooked bacon bits or diced tomatoes before baking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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