What makes cheeseburger casserole a great lazy dinner?

Cheeseburger casserole is ideal for lazy dinners because it combines pasta, beef, and cheese in one dish. You skip multiple pans and still get a full meal that tastes like a cheeseburger.

Can I make cheeseburger pasta without baking?

Yes, cheeseburger pasta can be made on the stovetop by cooking noodles, beef, and cheese together in a skillet. It’s quicker but won’t have the golden baked top.

What are the best burger sides to serve with casserole?

Classic burger sides like fries, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad work beautifully. Garlic bread is also a favorite pairing for cheeseburger pasta bakes.

Are there healthy hamburger recipes for this casserole?

Absolutely use lean beef, whole wheat pasta, or even zucchini noodles. Swap cheese with reduced-fat options and add extra vegetables for a lighter twist.

Lazy Dinners Cheeseburger Casserole – 5-Star Family Comfort

Description

Lazy dinners keep my kitchen joyful. Welcome to my kitchen: where burnt toast turns into a lesson and a dash of spice becomes a story. I grew up in a small Midwestern town, standing on a step stool next to Grandma while she stirred gravy and shared tales. That spirit lives in this cheeseburger casserole—comfort you scoop with a spoon. I blend old-school hamburger flavors with creamy cheeseburger pasta ease so weeknights feel calm again. Family gathers, plates clink, and dinner just works. Serve with crisp salad or your favorite burger sides, and watch smiles appear.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

2 cups (8 oz/225 g) dry rotini or shells

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup (240 ml) milk (or half-and-half)

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp yellow mustard

2 cups (8 oz/225 g) shredded cheddar, divided

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

2 tbsp chopped dill pickles, for topping (optional)

2 tbsp sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Cooking spray or a little oil for the dish

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Boil pasta in salted water until 1–2 minutes shy of al dente; drain.

3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, 5–6 minutes; drain excess fat if needed.

4. Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until tender and fragrant.

5. Stir in diced tomatoes, milk, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika; simmer 3–4 minutes.

6. Off heat, stir in 1 cup cheddar until the sauce turns creamy.

7. Combine pasta with the beef sauce and spread in the prepared dish.

8. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

9. Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped pickles and green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

Make it lighter: Use ground turkey and whole-wheat pasta; reduce cheese to 1 1/2 cups.

Skillet shortcut: For cheeseburger pasta, skip baking; simmer sauce with cooked pasta for 2–3 minutes and serve.

Storage: Refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C), covered, with a splash of milk.

Great burger sides: green salad, roasted broccoli, or oven fries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (~330 g)
Calories: 560
Sugar: 7
Sodium: 780
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 11
Unsaturated Fat: 11
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 50
Fiber: 3
Protein: 33
Cholesterol: 95