Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Family-Pleasing Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Comfort takes center stage with this mouthwatering cheeseburger casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of savory goodness blend perfectly in one delightful dish.

Childhood memories of backyard barbecues dance through each hearty bite.

Familiar flavors merge into a crowd-pleasing meal everyone adores.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy cooks seeking quick solutions.

Ground beef and melted cheese create a symphony of textures that sing.

Warm, inviting, and utterly delicious – you’ll want seconds before finishing your first helping.

Why Cheeseburger Casserole Is A Family Favorite

  • Craft a Comforting Classic: This hearty casserole transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Maximize Flavor with Minimal Effort: Combining bacon, beef, and creamy sauce creates a rich, layered dish that tastes like you've been cooking all day with surprisingly little work.
  • Perfect for Family Gatherings: Designed to feed a hungry crowd, this one-dish wonder satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its irresistible combination of cheesy, meaty goodness.
  • Versatile Weeknight Winner: Easy to prepare with standard pantry ingredients, this casserole works brilliantly as a quick dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Everything Needed For Cheeseburger Casserole

For the Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein base for the casserole.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.
  • Eggs: Help bind the creamy mixture and provide additional richness to the casserole.
For the Dairy:
  • Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Create a luxurious and creamy sauce that adds depth and smoothness to the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty topping that adds a delicious cheesy layer to the dish.
For the Base and Seasonings:
  • Egg Noodles: Serve as the foundational carbohydrate that holds the casserole together.
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide aromatic depth and savory undertones to the meat mixture.
  • Condensed Tomato Soup: Offers a rich, tangy base that helps bind the meat and adds moisture.
  • Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

How To Make Cheeseburger Casserole In Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Crispy Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel and chop into small pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until softened and releasing delightful scents.

Step 4: Brown The Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into tiny crumbles. Cook until completely browned with no pink showing.

Step 5: Create Flavor Base

Drain excess fat from the meat, then stir in condensed tomato soup for a rich, tangy foundation.

Step 6: Prepare Noodles

Boil egg noodles according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Whip Creamy Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Eggs

Whisk until silky smooth.

Step 8: Layer First Base

Spread cooked noodles evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Step 9: Add Meat Layer

Pour the seasoned meat mixture over the noodles, creating an even distribution.

Step 10: Pour Creamy Topping

Drizzle the cream mixture across the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 11: Add Cheesy Crunch

Sprinkle generously:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Breadcrumbs

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 13: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.

Tips To Make Cheeseburger Casserole Extra Tasty

  • Boost Bacon Flavor: Opt for thick-cut bacon for richer, more intense taste that elevates the entire casserole's depth.
  • Prevent Dry Noodles: Slightly undercook egg noodles during initial boiling since they'll continue cooking in the oven, maintaining perfect moisture.
  • Cream Mixture Trick: Temper eggs by slowly adding hot cream to prevent scrambling, ensuring silky smooth texture throughout the dish.
  • Customize Crunch Factor: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed butter crackers or cornflakes for an extra crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Fun Versions Of Cheeseburger Casserole To Try

  • Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, swap bacon for smoked tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of meat drippings for a hearty meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free Noodle Bake: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Replace traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini or thinly sliced zucchini layers, reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture and flavor profile.

Great Matches For Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Boost Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Flavor Pairings
  • Enhance Wine Selection: Pair with medium-bodied red wines like Zinfandel or Syrah that complement the rich meaty flavors and cut through the creamy cheese.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Match with hoppy amber ales or robust brown ales that balance the casserole's hearty profile and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
  • Perfect Side Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed spring greens, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the dense, creamy casserole.
  • Fresh Vegetable Crunch: Serve roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli with lemon zest to add brightness and nutritional balance to the indulgent main dish.

Easy Storage For Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, storing for maximum 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and maintaining original delicious taste.

Common Questions About Cheeseburger Casserole Answered

  • Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly, offering a leaner alternative with similar taste and texture.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike.

  • How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if going straight from refrigerator to oven.

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Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Cheeseburger Casserole, blending classic diner flavors with family-friendly ease. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tater tots promise a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 slices bacon

Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs

Pantry and Produce:

  • 1 package egg noodles
  • 1 can condensed tomato soup
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, crisp the bacon over medium heat until golden and perfectly rendered, then remove and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook until completely browned and no pink remains.
  5. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then stir in condensed tomato soup, creating a rich and savory base.
  6. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they’re al dente, then drain and set aside.
  7. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, and eggs until smooth and well-combined.
  8. Layer the cooked noodles in the prepared baking dish, then top with the seasoned meat mixture.
  9. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the noodles and meat, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, then scatter crumbled bacon and breadcrumbs for added texture.
  11. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
  12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
  • Swap traditional egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Create a low-sodium option by using homemade tomato sauce instead of condensed soup and selecting reduced-salt bacon.
  • Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, which intensifies the flavors and saves cooking time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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