Name: Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Kosher salt, to taste; 8 oz. elbow macaroni; 1 lb. ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 (14-oz.) can diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 2 Tbsp. yellow or Dijon mustard; 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups), divided; 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional); 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 50 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, cheesy dish that feels like a big warm hug, you’re going to adore this Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something truly special — rich, hearty, and packed with familiar flavors everyone loves. When I first tried this casserole, it quickly became a family favorite, and I’m excited to share exactly how you can make it too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen, which means no last-minute trips to the store.
Comfort Food with a Twist: The tangy pickles and Worcestershire sauce add a surprising depth of flavor that makes this more than just your average hamburger casserole.
Quick and Easy to Prep: From boiling pasta to baking, the whole process fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine.
Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: My family goes crazy for this every time — it’s cheesy, meaty, and full of irresistible textures.

The image shows a white dish filled with a mix of curly pasta, cooked ground meat, and melted orange cheese, all combined in one layer. Scattered throughout are pieces of red tomatoes and fresh green lettuce, adding color and freshness. The dish is topped with small white sesame seeds sprinkled evenly, and a silver spoon scoops a portion, lifting some pasta and toppings. The overall texture is creamy with bits of soft and tender ingredients visible against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheddar Hamburger Casserole, cheesy hamburger casserole, easy hamburger casserole recipe, hearty casserole with cheddar, comfort food hamburger bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this cheddar hamburger casserole recipe work together beautifully to balance creamy, savory, and tangy elements. It’s a smart mix of pantry staples and fresh produce — allowing you to get a rich, comforting dish on the table without a fuss.

Flat lay of a small mound of raw elbow macaroni, a portion of fresh ground beef formed loosely, a peeled and finely chopped large yellow onion, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with vibrant diced fresh tomatoes, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl containing chopped bright green dill pickles, a small white bowl with smooth red ketchup, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl holding golden yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, and a handful of crisp chopped romaine lettuce, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced spacing on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cheddar Hamburger Casserole, cheesy hamburger casserole, easy hamburger casserole recipe, hearty casserole with cheddar, comfort food hamburger bake

Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the beef and pasta.
Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto all that cheesy, meaty sauce.
Ground beef: I like lean to keep it from getting too greasy, but you can adjust the fat content to your liking.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Fresh is best here for that punch of aroma and flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a bright, juicy note and balances the richness of the cheese.
Mayonnaise: This might surprise you, but it adds creamy tang and helps meld all the flavors together.
Chopped dill pickles: The secret ingredient! Their acidity cuts through the richness in a way you won’t forget.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a bit of familiar comfort taste to the mix.
Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami and an extra savory layer.
Yellow or Dijon mustard: A subtle kick that brightens up the overall flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning and a slight peppery warmth.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show — I use sharp cheddar for boldness, then divide it so the casserole is cheesy inside and out.
Toasted sesame seeds (optional): They add wonderful texture and a nutty note if you want to get a little fancy.
Romaine lettuce: A fresh, crisp topping to cut through all that richness once it’s baked.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This cheddar hamburger casserole recipe is delightfully versatile — once I got comfortable, I started experimenting with mix-ins and swaps that keep things fresh and suit different tastes. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Swap the beef: I’ve tried ground turkey or chicken when I wanted a lighter version, and the casserole still comes out juicy and flavorful with a little extra seasoning.
Add veggies: Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach work beautifully folded into the sauce for a veggie boost.
Dairy-free option: You can use a plant-based cheese alternative and vegan mayo to make this casserole dairy-free, and it still bakes up rich and melty.
Spice it up: When I want a little heat, I toss in a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños – totally delicious.

How to Make Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until it’s very al dente — usually about 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This keeps the pasta firm enough to hold up during baking without getting mushy. Drain the pasta and transfer it straight to your 13″ x 9″ baking dish so you can start layering flavors immediately.

Step 2: Perfectly Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and place the ground beef in one even layer without stirring. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until it develops a deep brown crust — this is where you get so much flavor. Then, break it up with a spatula and continue cooking a few more minutes until there’s no pink left. This technique gives your casserole a wonderful meaty depth that you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 3: Build the Flavor with Aromatics and Sauces

Drop the heat to medium and cook the onion and garlic in the same skillet until they’re soft and translucent — about 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir in the diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, chopped pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, water, black pepper, and salt. This sauce might sound a little unusual, but trust me, it’s magic. Pour this luscious mixture over the beef and pasta in your baking dish.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese so it melts and blends right into the saucy mix. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar evenly on top, along with the sesame seeds if you’re using them. This dual layer makes your casserole cheesy inside and out, which is pure comfort food heaven.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Melted

Bake your casserole in the preheated 400°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown at the edges. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen eagerly waiting to dig in!

Step 6: The Fresh Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped romaine lettuce on top for a crisp, fresh contrast. It cuts through the richness of the casserole and adds a lovely crunch – a step I never skip.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the elbow macaroni slightly underdone is key; it keeps the texture perfect after baking without getting mushy.
Brown the Beef Well: Letting the beef brown undisturbed deepens the flavor – it really makes your casserole stand out.
Use Sharp Cheddar: The boldness of sharp cheddar cuts through the richness and gives that classic cheesy punch.
Bake Just Enough: Watch the cheese as it melts – you want bubbly and golden edges, not overcooked dryness.

How to Serve Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of macaroni pasta mixed with browned ground meat and diced onions, scattered pieces of sliced red peppers, all covered with melted shredded cheddar cheese that is vibrant orange and slightly browned in spots, and topped with white sesame seeds. A silver spoon is scooping a portion from the bowl, revealing the mixture underneath with a textured look from the combination of smooth pasta, chunky meat, and stringy melted cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheddar Hamburger Casserole, cheesy hamburger casserole, easy hamburger casserole recipe, hearty casserole with cheddar, comfort food hamburger bake

Garnishes

I almost always top mine with fresh chopped romaine lettuce for a crisp crunch that balances the creamy casserole beautifully. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra pickles or a dash of hot sauce for a little zing. If I’m feeling adventurous, freshly chopped chives or green onions make a bright, tasty garnish too.

Side Dishes

This cheddar hamburger casserole recipe pairs wonderfully with simple green salads or roasted vegetables to lighten the meal. I also love serving it alongside some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to scoop up every last cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I plate individual servings in small ramekins and broil just long enough to crisp the cheese on top. It makes for an elegant presentation that still feels homey and comforting — guests always ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheddar hamburger casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating individual portions gently in the microwave, or in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by assembling it fully but skipping the baking step. Freeze it covered tightly with foil, and when you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen — just add some extra baking time. This makes it a lifesaver for busy nights!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to refresh the cheese topping’s melt and texture. This trick keeps it tasting almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the casserole its signature flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for a different twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy texture.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the recipe?

Mayonnaise might seem unusual, but it adds richness and helps the sauce stay creamy. If you don’t have mayo or prefer to skip it, you can try using sour cream or Greek yogurt, but the texture and tanginess might vary slightly.
How can I make this cheddar hamburger casserole recipe vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils. Also, consider adding more veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to boost flavor and texture. The rest of the ingredients and cooking process remain the same.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it’s chilled.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Hamburger Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and on my dinner table). It’s that perfect combination of cheesy comfort, meaty goodness, and tangy brightness that makes every bite satisfying and memorable. If you want a recipe that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds — and one that’s easy enough for weeknights but comforting enough for any occasion — this is it. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family and I do!