Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Save this recipe on:

This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion. Think of all the hearty flavor of your favorite cheeseburger, tucked into a cheesy, golden-baked pasta shell. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone at the table without much fuss in the kitchen.

Loaded with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and layers of melty cheese, this casserole brings joy in every bite. It’s the kind of baked dish that can be prepped ahead, reheated well, and vanishes quickly from the pan. Perfect for busy nights or potluck gatherings where you want your dish to be the first one gone.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheeseburger Casserole?

Short, hearty pasta shapes like medium shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini are ideal. They hold onto the meat sauce and cheese perfectly, giving you the full cheeseburger flavor in every bite. Shells are especially perfect because they scoop up all the goodness and make every forkful taste like cheesy heaven.

Ingredients for the Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Ground Beef – The backbone of that classic cheeseburger flavor. Choose 80/20 for juicy richness.

Pasta Shells – Medium pasta shells that trap all the savory sauce and cheese.

Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese – A combo of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella gives you maximum melt and flavor.

Tomato Sauce – Acts as the juicy base for our beefy, burger-inspired sauce.

Garlic & Onion – Classic aromatics that give depth and a slight sweetness to the casserole.

Mustard & Ketchup – A nod to real cheeseburgers! These add zing and tang that makes the flavor pop.

Salt, Pepper & Paprika – A simple seasoning blend that enhances all the other flavors.

Pickles (Optional) – For an extra cheeseburger twist, sprinkle chopped dill pickles on top after baking.

---

How To Make the Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened.

Step 3: Stir in the Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Mix With Pasta and Layer

Combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce. Layer half into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

---

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Pasta Bake

Serve this casserole straight from the oven while it’s bubbling and golden. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before scooping to allow everything to set. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until warmed through.

What to Serve With Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside—perfect for scooping up that cheesy goodness.

Green Salad

A fresh mix with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and healthful contrast to the cheesy dish.

Pickle Spears

Stay true to the burger theme with some cold, crunchy pickles on the side.

Sweet Corn

Whether grilled or steamed, it complements the beefy flavor beautifully.

Coleslaw

Creamy or tangy slaw provides a fresh, crunchy counterpart.

Baked Beans

Another comfort food that pairs great with anything burger-inspired.

---

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this cheeseburger casserole, you’ll definitely want to try these easy, cheesy favorites from Chef Alchemy:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you add jalapeños or maybe bacon bits? Did your family go back for seconds?

I love seeing how others put their twist on classic comfort dishes. Ask questions too—I’m always here to help make dinnertime easier and tastier.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: