This easy cheeseburger casserole is made with seasoned ground beef, pasta shells, tomato soup and just a few other simple ingredients.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This easy cheeseburger casserole has all the flavors you love about a classic cheeseburger and turns it into a delicious, family friendly meal. The juicy beef, melty cheese, and tomato soup are all baked into one simple dinner the whole family will love. It's quick to throw together, made with everyday ingredients, and perfect for busy weeknights. If cheeseburgers and casseroles are both on your comfort food list, this one's about to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
I've been making this recipe for my family for years and its always a hit. The tomato soup is just sweet enough to mimic the flavor of ketchup without being too overbearing. It really does taste like one, big cheeseburger! Even my two picky boys love this one. I hope you give it a try because I know you'll love it, too!
Ingredients
Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious casserole. You can fine the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions in the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef- The hearty base of this dish that gives it its classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Onion- Adds sweetness and balances the richness of the beef.
- Campbells Tomato Soup- The secret ingredient! It adds a little tang and sweet tomato flavor that mimics ketchup without overpowering the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce- Enhances the beefy flavor.
- Salt- Brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Pepper- Cuts the richness of the dish.
- Onion Powder-Boost the onion flavor without adding extra texture.
- Water- Helps loosten the sauce so it doesn't become too thick while baking.
- Medium Sized Shells- This perfect shaped paste to catch the meat, cheese and sauce in every bite.
- Ladle Of Pasta Water- This stuff is liquid gold! The starchy water helps bind the sauce and makes everything creamy without adding extra dairy.
- Cheddar Cheese- Gives it a bold, classic cheeseburger flavor and melts beautifully throughout the cassrerole.
Instructions
Heres how to make this delicious cheeseburger casserole. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onion over medium high heat. Brown the beef breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any extra fat and season it with salt, pepper and onion powder.
NOTE: Draining the fat well will make sure that the casserole dosent get greasy.
Stir in the worcestershire sauce and let it cook for 1 minute then stir in the tomato soups and water. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Then stir in half of the shredded cheese and a ladle of the pasta water. Add the shells and stir them into the sauce.
PRO TIP: Don't over cook the pasta. Add it in once it hits al dente. That way, it wont get too mushy when its baking.
Add the mixture to a greased 9 x 13" baking dish and top it with the rest of the shredded cheese. Place it into the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes.
PRO TIP- Be sure to shred the cheese yourself and avoid the pre shredded stuff that comes in a bag. It will melt much better that way.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes and sprinkle the top with parsley (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Letting the casserole rest allows the sauce and cheese to set so the casserole is not too loose when serving.
What Can I Serve This With?
You dont need to serve this casserole with much extra. A vegetable like Frozen Roasted Green Beans or Garlic Parmesan Broccoli. Homemade Italian Garlic Bread would be a wonderful addition, too.
Can This Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time for sure. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you're placing it directly from the fridge into the oven.
Do I Have To Use Tomato Soup?
The tomato soup is what gives this recipe its classic tomato flavor. You can use tomato sauce but it will taste slightly less sweet.
Can I Add Pickles Or Bacon?
Yes, diced pickles, cooked bacon and even a little mustard stirred into the beef mixture are delicious add ins for extra burger flavoring.
Storage
Let the casserole cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for 3 days. This recipe freezes well, too. Just place it into a freezer safe air tight container and it will last for up to 3 months.
Easy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 1 Small Onion, chopped
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 (10.7) Oz Cans Campbell's Tomato Soup
- ¼ Cup Water
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded, divided
- 1 Pound Medium Size Pasta Shells cooked Save one ladle of paste water
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onion over medium high heat. Brown the beef breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any extra fat and season it with salt, pepper and onion powder.
- Stir in the worcestershire sauce and let it cook for 1 minute then stir in tomato soup and water. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes
- Then stir in half of the shredded cheese and a ladle of the pasta water. Add the shells and stir them into the sauce.
- Add the mixture to a greased 9 x 13" baking dish and top it with the rest of the shredded cheese. Place it into the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes and sprinkle the top with parsley (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Other Easy Casserole Recipes
If you like super easy to make casserole recipes like this one, you have to try Chicken And Stuffing Casserole, Creamy Crescent Chicken Roll Casserole and Easy Enchilada Casserole.
Al Dente Diva says
Hi! Either would work just fine. It’s completely up to you
Anonymous says
Would you freeze it before or after baking?
Anon says
This is so good. It's now a family favorite. The first time I tried this I used turkey burger, not having any hamburger. My family loved it. About a month later they asked me to make it again. This time I really had to make substitutions because I was running out of all my staples. The substitutions ended up taking a really good food and taking it next level for my family.
I have a large family, so I have to double the recipe. I only had 1 pound of hamburger, so I used that and found some breakfast sausage for the other pound of meat needed. Any sausage works here. For the tomato soup, I only had 1 can. Upon searching for anything I could use to substitute the second can needed, I decided upon a can of nacho cheese. Oh my goodness! It's a bit spicy, but not a lot, and so cheesy! My family asks for this every week now.
What I've found is this recipe is great as is, but it's so easy to personalize it. Thank you!