If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, cheesiness, and a hint of tangy zest, the Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe is your go-to meal that never disappoints. This casserole brings together tender elbow macaroni, perfectly browned ground beef, and a luscious sauce packed with tomatoes, pickles, and a flavorful blend of condiments—all topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese and fresh romaine for a delightful crunch. It’s an inviting, satisfying recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is simple enough to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the tender pasta to the sharpness of cheddar and the tang of pickles. These components come together to create a perfect balance that’s rich, creamy, and full of surprises.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally, so don’t skimp on seasoning.
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni: This pasta choice holds sauce beautifully and provides the comforting base.
- 1 lb. ground beef: Adds savory depth and protein, making the dish hearty and filling.
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and texture when sautéed to softness.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with aromatic, savory warmth.
- 1 (14-oz.) can diced tomatoes: Introduces a juicy, slightly acidic element that brightens the casserole.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Offers a creamy richness that helps meld all the flavors together smoothly.
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles: Adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness spectacularly.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: A subtly sweet tomato base that complements the savory beef beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami depth and complexity.
- 2 Tbsp. yellow or Dijon mustard: Provides a zesty kick and balances sweetness and acidity.
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that brightens each bite.
- 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups), divided: The star ingredient that melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty crunch topping that surprises the palate.
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped: Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast when sprinkled on top after baking.
How to Make Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
The key to a creamy, well-textured casserole begins with perfectly cooked macaroni. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water just until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions, so it absorbs the sauce without becoming mushy. Drain and transfer it to your baking dish right away to start layering flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat your skillet and add the ground beef in large chunks without stirring at first. This step allows the beef to develop a nice brown crust that brings incredible flavor to the dish. After about four minutes, break it up and cook until no pink remains—this mixture is the savory heart of the casserole.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Prepare the Sauce
Next, reduce the heat and softly cook the onions and garlic until translucent, which releases their natural sweetness. Then stir in diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, a bit of water, salt, and pepper to create a complex, tangy sauce that hugs every morsel of pasta and beef.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Add Cheese
Mix three ounces of shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole for melty creaminess throughout. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top to create that irresistible golden crust after baking. If you want extra texture and a touch of nuttiness, toss on some toasted sesame seeds at this stage.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cheese has melted into bubbly, delectable layers. Remove it from the oven and immediately top with freshly chopped romaine lettuce to add a crisp, fresh bite that cuts through the richness.
How to Serve Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped romaine lettuce is the classic finishing touch for this recipe, lending a peppery crunch and vibrant color that brighten every forkful. You can also add extra toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of ketchup for a nostalgic diner vibe.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or even some buttered corn-on-the-cob. These lighter, fresh options help to balance out the rich, cheesy main for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheddar and broiled until bubbly for personal crusty tops. Alternatively, spoon the casserole over toasted slices of crusty bread or into baked bell pepper halves for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar Hamburger Casserole keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it promptly helps preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious casserole later, freeze it before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole portions in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. For quicker meals, microwave individual servings, stirring halfway to ensure even heating and maintain that cheesy, melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for holding the sauce, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the bake.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. The rich sauce and cheese will still provide plenty of flavor and heartiness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a vegan mayonnaise and substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese that melts well. The sauce’s flavor will remain delicious with those swaps!
Why are pickles included in this recipe?
The chopped dill pickles add a bright, tangy punch that balances the rich beef and creamy cheese. Their crunch also brings a delightful textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish up to one day before baking, store it covered in the refrigerator, and then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe is a comforting classic that’s brimming with flavor, texture, and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding family or surprising friends with a cozy favorite, it’s a dish worth making again and again. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll fall in love with the perfect harmony of cheesy, meaty, and tangy goodness in every spoonful!
Print
Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring al dente elbow macaroni, browned ground beef, and a tangy tomato-mayo sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh romaine lettuce for a delightful crunch. Ideal for a hearty family meal, this casserole is baked to perfection with a rich blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1 lb. ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (14-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
Sauces and Condiments
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp. yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and transfer to a 13” x 9” baking dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef in large chunks without stirring for about 4 minutes to brown the bottom. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, about 4 minutes more. Transfer beef to the baking dish with pasta.
- Sauté Onions and Prepare Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 1 cup water, black pepper, and salt. Heat through briefly, then transfer sauce to the baking dish with beef and pasta.
- Add Cheese and Mix: Stir 3 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 3 ounces of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately top with chopped romaine lettuce for a fresh crunch.
- Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance without baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese with the mayonnaise.
- To save time, you can use pre-chopped onions and garlic from your grocery store.
- Romaine lettuce adds a fresh crunch just before serving; avoid baking the lettuce as it will wilt.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety.
