If you love the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger but want something quicker and easier to prepare, this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is an absolute game changer. It combines all the classic elements of a cheeseburger—juicy beef, sharp cheddar, tangy ketchup, and mustard—into a cozy, cheesy casserole that you cook right in a single pot. This dish is not only convenient for busy weeknights but also delivers bold, satisfying flavors and a delightful pasta texture that everyone at the table will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each one plays a role, whether it’s adding savory depth, creaminess, or that perfect cheesy finish.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and sweat the onions for a rich flavor base.
- Ground beef (1 ½ pounds): The heart of the dish, providing hearty, meaty goodness.
- Diced onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic punch that balances the richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes (28-ounce can, undrained): Introduces moisture and a bright, tangy taste.
- Tomato sauce (8-ounce can): Thickens the sauce and adds depth.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory umami and helps cook the pasta.
- Ketchup (¼ cup): Brings that unmistakable sweet and tangy cheeseburger zest.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Rotini pasta (1 pound): The pasta shape of choice for trapping all that cheesy sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully, lending creamy cheeseburger flavor.
- Roma tomato, diced: A fresh, colorful topping for brightness and texture.
- Green onions, sliced: Adds a crisp, mild onion finish as a garnish.
How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your ground beef along with the diced onions, stirring occasionally. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and crumbled, and the onions have softened. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to season, then drain off any excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy base.
Step 2: Add the Tomato and Broth Mixture
Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, and Dijon mustard—all the savory and tangy components that create the signature cheeseburger flavor. Toss in the rotini pasta along with 2 cups of water to make sure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to cook perfectly in this one-pot wonder.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring everything to a rolling boil, then cover your pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 13 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still al dente, soaking up all those rich flavors from the sauce. This step is where the magic happens—combining convenience with a deeply satisfying texture.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the pot from heat. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover again and let it sit for about 2 minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to melt into a gooey, luscious blanket that ties the entire dish together with that classic cheeseburger cheesiness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe by sprinkling fresh diced Roma tomatoes and sliced green onions right on top. The fresh garnishes add pops of color and a delightful crisp contrast to the creamy casserole below. Serve it straight from the pot for a cozy, no-fuss meal everyone will love.
How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of diced Roma tomatoes and fresh green onions turns this dish into a restaurant-worthy meal. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like an extra burst of flavor. A handful of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, also brightens up the plate and balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Think garlic green beans, simple roasted broccoli, or even a tangy coleslaw to add crunch and freshness alongside the warm, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe in a large baking dish and topping it with extra cheese and breadcrumbs before baking for a golden crust. Alternatively, serve it in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that’s perfect for entertaining or portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. This casserole stays delicious for up to four days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying in a snap.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for up to three months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe dish or resealable bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat the entire casserole on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to help restore creaminess. Add a little extra shredded cheese on top if you want to refresh that melty cheeseburger goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for trapping sauce, penne or elbow macaroni work just as well. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different shapes cook at different rates.
Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute for ground beef?
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just be mindful that you might want to add a bit more seasoning to keep those bold cheeseburger flavors shining through.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The combination of ketchup, mustard, and cheese will still give it that familiar cheeseburger taste.
What’s the best type of cheddar cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar works beautifully in this dish because it provides bold flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can go with medium cheddar. For an extra creamy texture, a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack is wonderful.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Since this is a one-pot stovetop casserole, it’s best enjoyed freshly cooked. However, you can prepare the meat sauce portion a day ahead and combine it with cooked pasta and cheese before reheating gently to serve.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is a delightful, cozy meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you crave classic cheeseburger flavors without the fuss. The convenience of cooking everything in one pot along with the rich, cheesy taste makes this dish a new favorite you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting warmth of cheeseburger magic in every bite!
Print
One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting pasta dish. Ground beef, tomatoes, and rotini simmer together with a creamy cheese topping for an easy, family-friendly meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups water
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 3-5 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat.
- Add liquids and pasta: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, rotini pasta, and 2 cups of water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer until the pasta is fully cooked, about 13-16 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover again and let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with the diced Roma tomato and sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce in step 2.
- Using rotini pasta helps hold the sauce well, but penne or elbow macaroni can also be used.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; just reheat covered on the stove or microwave before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety.
