One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but want a comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, then this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining juicy ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, tender rotini pasta, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, this dish brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger into one hearty, satisfying casserole. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, uses minimal pots for cleanup, and delivers a warm, cheesy hug in every bite that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is key to creating layers of flavor and texture. Each component has its own role, from the savory beef that provides richness to the tangy ketchup and mustard that brighten up the sauce. Don’t worry, nothing here is complicated — these pantry staples come together beautifully for a fuss-free dinner.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a subtle richness and prevents sticking while browning the beef and onions.
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef: Choose fresh, quality ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness in your casserole.
• 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides a fresh tomato base with texture.
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that clings to the pasta.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture, flavor, and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
• ¼ cup ketchup: Brings that familiar sweet and tangy cheeseburger flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing that enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.
• 1 pound rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds the sauce beautifully, making each forkful delicious.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, cheesy topping everyone loves.
• 1 Roma tomato, diced: A fresh, juicy garnish that adds brightness and color.
• 2 green onions, sliced: For an added crisp, mild onion flavor that complements the richness.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy — this step ensures you have a flavorful but balanced dish.

Step 2: Add the Sauces and Pasta

Next, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, the rotini pasta, and an additional 2 cups of water. Each ingredient plays a key role in your flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta – the ketchup and mustard infuse that iconic cheeseburger tang, while the liquids ensure the pasta absorbs all those juicy flavors as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 13 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step is crucial because the pasta will absorb all those incredible flavors, making every bite wonderfully tender yet saucy — the heart of the One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe experience.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese on Top

When the pasta is perfectly cooked, remove the pot from heat and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the pot and let it stand for 2 minutes — the residual heat will melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey topping that complements the savory beef and sauce perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your casserole by sprinkling fresh diced Roma tomato and sliced green onions over the melted cheese. These fresh garnishes add a pop of color and a crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole underneath, making every bite feel as vibrant as it is comforting.

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A light garnish of diced Roma tomatoes and sliced green onions really brings this casserole to life. The fresh tomatoes add a juicy burst of sweetness and a lovely vibrant color, while green onions offer a mild crunch and subtle oniony brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheesy beef sauce.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli pairs beautifully. Both options provide a fresh, healthy contrast in texture and flavor that balances the richness of the One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of pickles for that iconic cheeseburger vibe. A side of crispy oven-baked fries or garlic bread can also elevate the whole meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making the next day’s meal just as tasty and comforting as freshly made.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. To keep the casserole creamy and prevent drying, add a splash of chicken broth or water and cover while warming. Finish off with a fresh sprinkle of cheese or garnishes if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding sauce with its spirals, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or shells based on what you have on hand.

Is this casserole spicy?

This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking if you want a little heat.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a leaner protein. Just keep in mind the flavor will be lighter, so you might want to increase seasonings slightly for more depth.

Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?

No need to cook the pasta separately because it cooks right in the casserole pot with the sauce and liquids, absorbing amazing flavor as it becomes tender.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the regular rotini for a gluten-free pasta in the same amount, and be sure to check that your broth and canned ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is truly a weeknight game-changer—effortless, delicious, and packed with all the comfort and flavor of your favorite burger but in a cozy casserole form. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something hearty with minimal fuss. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!

One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into an easy-to-make, all-in-one meal. Ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce meld together and are topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, and green onions for a satisfying family dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Brown the beef and onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain excess fat carefully.
2. Add liquids and pasta: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, rotini pasta, and 2 cups of water into the pot with the browned beef mixture.
3. Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 13-16 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Melt the cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the pot again and let it stand for 2 minutes so the cheese melts thoroughly.
5. Garnish and serve: Serve the casserole garnished with freshly diced Roma tomato and sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Use rotini pasta or any similar short pasta that holds sauce well.
• Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef for a leaner dish.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
• For extra cheesiness, add more shredded cheese or mix some into the pasta before cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American