Description

Hamburgers have always been comfort food in my family. I grew up with backyard grills, diner nights, and Sunday casseroles. This recipe celebrates the hamburger in all its forms: the classic patty, the bubbling cheeseburger casserole, and even a quick stovetop cheeseburger pasta. Paired with simple burger sides like fries, beans, or salad, it’s a flexible dinner that feels cozy every time. Whether you’re craving the familiar or looking for healthy hamburger recipes with lighter swaps, this dish is a weeknight keeper.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 slices cheddar cheese (for patties)

4 burger buns or rolls

Toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles

Optional: ketchup, mustard, mayo

CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE VARIATION

2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or shells)

1 cup shredded cheddar

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp ketchup

CHEESEBURGER PASTA VARIATION

Cooked pasta

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1/2 cup shredded cheddar

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Instructions

1. For CLASSIC HAMBURGERS: Mix beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties. Cook in skillet or grill 4–5 minutes per side. Top with cheddar, add to buns, and serve with toppings.

2. For CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE: Brown beef with onion and garlic. Stir in tomatoes, milk, and ketchup. Mix with cooked pasta, place in casserole dish, top with cheddar, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.

3. For CHEESEBURGER PASTA: Brown beef with onion and garlic. Stir in cooked pasta, sour cream (or yogurt), and cheddar. Simmer 3–4 minutes until creamy and serve immediately.

Notes

Healthy swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter patties and casseroles.

Add veggies: Fold shredded zucchini or carrots into ground beef for healthy hamburger recipes.

Burger sides: Pair with oven fries, coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh salad.

Storage: Patties keep 3 days refrigerated; casseroles/pasta keep 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grill, Skillet, Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hamburger or 1/6 casserole
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 720
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 11
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 3
Protein: 29
Cholesterol: 85