Cheeseburger Casserole is a one pot, 30 minute recipe that’s outrageously good. Beefy, cheesy and saucy, it tastes like cheeseburgers in pasta form. It’s a homemade Hamburger Helper – a tastier and much healthier version of the popular boxed pasta!
I love a good one pot recipe, and this one sits alongside reader favourites including Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice, Sausage Bake with Vegetables and Gravy, Baked Chicken with Garlic Butter Rice and the one skillet Asian Beef Noodles!
“It’s beefy, cheesy and saucy – Hamburger Helper tastes like cheeseburgers in pasta form!”
Cheeseburger Casserole
The first time I published this recipe, I said that I burnt my mouth taste testing this straight out of the pot.
And almost 3 years later, I’m saying the same thing – yet again, I burnt my mouth.
I took a small taste to check for seasoning. Had a swoon moment, then scooped up a huge spoonful and shovelled it in my mouth.
And totally scorched the entire roof of my mouth. OUCH.
Here’s an up close and personal look at the offender. Look at it. Can you blame me for my lack of self control??
Another ground beef recipe!
I’m a big fan of ground beef (mince) recipes because it’s economical, requires no chopping and it’s a terrific sponge for flavour.
So for those of you who put a packet of beef mince in your shopping basket this week, this Cheeseburger Casserole is for you! The key ingredients are fairly standard pantry items. And the items that are not can be substituted:
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carrot, celery and corn are optional. Feel free to add other chopped veg
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some subs available for the spices
The cheese is not optional. If you skip it, then this pretty much becomes a bolognese, hmm??
One pot! 20 minutes!
The beauty of this recipe is the speed at which it has to be cooked. You cannot cook the pasta for longer than 12 minutes, otherwise your sauce will disappear and you’ll end up with overly soft pasta.
It’s a 19 minute job on the stove:
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Onion, garlic, celery, carrot – 4 minutes
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Brown beef – 3 minutes
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Add the other stuff and stir – 2 minutes
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Cook – 8 minutes (no peeking!)
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Stir & Cheese – 1 minute
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Melt -2 minutes
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TOTAL 20 minutes
(PS I used to work in finance. This is the extent of the maths I do nowadays 🤓)
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a recipe from my good friend Jo from Jo Cooks. It’s one of many fabulous one pot recipes in her cookbook, 30 Minute One Pot Meals.
I originally shared this recipe back in 2016 to celebrate the release of her cookbook. It was fabulous then, and it’s just as fabulous now. ❤️
Sometimes, I reduce the amount of pasta (because I always have half packets 250g/8oz lying around!) and up the veg quota. Zucchini and red peppers /capsicum are ideal. Jo also suggests topping it with diced tomato which is a great topping.
If you do this, then you might not need a side salad. But if you do, try your garden salad or steamed vegetables with French Dressing, Balsamic Dressing or my favourite Italian Dressing. Or make a big batch of Broccoli Salad that will last you days and days! – Nagi x
PS And if you feel like a total carb blow out, add a side of Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread. *She swoons at the thought and her skinny jeans are cursing*
More One Pot Ground Beef / Mince recipes
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Chili Mac – mash up of Mac and Cheese with Chilli Con Carne, so good!
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Asian Beef and Ramen Noodles – one skillet, 15 minutes
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Taco Soup – don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, it’s amazing!
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Browse all One Pot recipes and Ground Beef / Mince recipes
Cheeseburger Casserole
Watch how to make it
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Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 small carrot * , chopped (optional)
- 1 celery stalk * , chopped (optional)
- 500 g/ 1 lb ground beef (mince) , preferably lean
- 12 oz / 340g dried macaroni , uncooked
- 1/2 cup frozen corn * , optional
- 2 cups chicken broth/stock, low sodium
- 1 tbsp hot sauce or Sriracha sauce , adjust to taste
- 1 tsp American chili powder (Note 1)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder , or sub onion powder
- 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 - 2 cups (150 - 200g) cheddar or tasty cheese, shredded (Note 3)
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese , for topping
Garnish (optional)
- 1 green onion , sliced
Instructions
- Heat oil in a dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium high heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Add celery and carrot, cook 3 minutes until soft.
- Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink - 3 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese. Stir to combine, add macaroni, then turn down to medium or medium low so it's simmering gently.
- Cover, cook 8 minutes. Pasta should be just about cooked, and still nice and saucy.
- Add cheddar cheese, stir. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with lid, cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Remove from stove. The pasta should now be cooked - tender but firm, not mushy, slick with sauce, not dried out.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, if using.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Life of Dozer
This is the same Dozer photo I shared when I first published this recipe back in 2016 – Dozer looking at Jo’s cookbook instead of the food.
We all know I was holding a treat just out of frame to make him do that.
But she loves the photo so much anyway, I can’t change it!!
Thanks for sharing this recipe. Another one pot meal that was quick, easy, delicious! Adding this to my arsenal of midweek dinners to keep us fed (and me sane). 😊
Glad you enjoyed it Ev! Thanks for letting me know – N x
I love this site – the recipes are all so clearly written and just work.
Had this bookmarked for a while, it looked tasty but I’m surprised at how much flavour and how good it is for something so quick and easy.
No american chilli in the UK so used the suggested sub but with a bit of mexican chilli powder I had. Small tweak for next time, think I’ll up meat to 750g from 500g.
Its delicious though, all pizzery and cheesy and saucey – great recipe, great comfort food.
Yummy! I saw so many recipes that added milk and so desperately wanted to, BUT I’m glad I didn’t. This was delicious. My 2 year old didn’t even look up once as she was cleaning her plate and my ever so picky 6 year old said it was 2 thumbs up. Thank you!
That’s great Mel! So pleased to hear that! N x
Hi Nagi, I’m making this again tonight cuz it was so good the first time. I am loving so many of your recipes. Even if there’s something on the blog that I wouldn’t like, I have to scroll down to see Dozer no matter what!
Also your pictures are fantastic! I see that you have a book about food photography…any chance of a dog photography book in the future?! I wish I had some awesome pics like that of my dog! What a beautiful place you live.
Dog photography book! Gosh I never thought I that, I haven’t really focussed on taking “nice” photos of Dozer! Many of them are actually just iPhone photos!!
I seem to be vegetarian-ising all your recipes lately. Blame the vegetarian au pair I guess. I used a 400g tin of brown lentils instead of mince and it worked perfectly. Delicious and the kids had no idea!!
Woah, that’s such a great idea!!! I never would have imagined this would work with lentils! N xx
You’re welcome to the idea 😉
I made this for dinner tonight and we really enjoyed it. Thank you for the simple, quick and yummy dish!
I’m so pleased to hear that Cindy! Thank you for trying my recipe! N xx ❤️
Made this tonight and it was very good. Used Barilla whole grain pasta for the 1st time and couldnt tell the difference. Try it out its alot healthier. Used a 28oz can of carmelina whole san marzano tomatoes. This makes a big difference in flavor. You can get them on amazon. I skipped the cheese because im on a 1200 calorie diet, but added 1 wedge of laughing cow swiss (35 calories) to give it some creaminess. I also used 2lbs of ground chicken breast without doubling anything else because thats how i froze the meat. I added alot of chipolte chili pepper maybe about a tablespoon and couldnt find my oregano so i subbed basil about a tablesppon. Next time I would add some red pepper and some zucchini. Thanks for a great dinner!
It’s so great to hear you enjoyed this Eric! Thanks for leaving a review 🙂 N x
Perfect recipe, thank you dear.
I’m so happy to hear that Anastasia! Thanks for sharing your feedback – N x ❤️
Hi Nagi
I also have Jo’s 30 minute one pot meals book, I love both of your super quick recipes. I have a question about your your cheeseburger hamburger recipe. Your recipe is identical except Jo’s has said in directions to add 2 cups water and also 2 cups of chicken stock. Feeling unsure about adding the additional water. Please let me know what you think
Many thanks
Sue
Hi Sue! Unfortunately the publisher’s made a typo when converting the canned tomato between oz and g, so when I made this I used 800g which is 28 oz and 2 cups of broth, no water, and found it worked just fine 🙂 Extra water will make it a bit saucier and the pasta bit softer but it’s not a significant difference (surprisingly)! N xx
Hi I was wanting to make this for dinner tonight but I don’t have can crushed tomatoes. Could I use real tomatoes 🍅 and if so how would I get the tomatoes crushed!! Thank you
Hi Doreen! I whizz them up in a food processor or blender!
Thank you! Can I use can whole tomatoes or diced plum can tomatoes 🍅
Hi Doreen! You sure can 🙂 If you use whole, smush it up when you add it 🙂 N xx
This was a big hit with my family. Will definitely be making it again. So easy and delicious. Thank you Nag for all your amazing recipes
That’s fantastic to hear Dawn! Thank you for letting me know! N xx
This is so amazing! I made the entire thing and then realized I forgot to put the cheese through it…and it was already cooled down. I tasted it and it was so good as is! I think I’ll just put cheese on top when I reheat it. Thanks for another delish recipe!
I’m so pleased to hear you enjoyed it Michele, even without the cheese! Thank you very much for your message – N xx
THE BEST ONE POT MEAL !!! Fantastic when your late home from work and its cold and wet outside
mmm Thanks Nagi
That’s so fantastic to hear Dianne! Thanks for trying my recipe and letting me know you enjoyed it! N xx
Nagi, you have really come through for me today! I was just thinking about what to serve for dinner tonight. Wanted something comforting but not too complicated for a cold rainy day and this recipe totally fits the bill. And the best part is that I already have all the ingredients! Thanks Nagi!!
I know what you mean! This is fast becoming one of my go-tos because I seem to always have the ingredients!
THIS! So delicious and easy — win win! I’d intended to add a little sour cream to boost the creaminess but forgot, and it didn’t need it: perfect as is. The fresh tomatoes and green onions on top were not only pretty and healthy but added even more great flavor. Genius!
Thank you for posting this recipe, and I’m so glad to have found it. Bookmarking your site!
I’m so pleased to hear that Anya!! Thanks for letting me know! N xx
Wanted something to make with hamburger but I didn’t want spaghetti or burgers. This was perfect! Quick and easy and comforting on a dreary day.
I’m so pleased to hear that Sandra, thank you for letting me know! N xx
Hi Nagi! If I were to omit the pasta and use this on zucchini noodles, should I eliminate most of the broth? (Do you think the dish will work okay without the pasta? I know it will be a different beast entirely, but hoping to still be delicious!) Thank you so much for all of your work!
Hi Stephanie! I think it will be very different without the pasta but much healthier! Yes leave out the broth and you’ll need to add more salt (or better yet, use a chicken bouillon cube, crumbled 🙂 I think it will still be delicious! N xx
Hi Nagi. Can I use bolognese or basil tomato sauce? will it have major effect on the taste?
Thanks so much, Nagy, everyone LOVED it! I’ve made several of these types of casseroles over the years, but this is definitely the best I’ve eaten! I know what you mean about the burning mouth. I had a dental cleaning the day after I fixed it. My hygienist likes to play this game of trying to guess what patients have burned their mouth on. She guessed “Cheese” – yep, the whole roof of my mouth. I just couldn’t help it as it was so good!
Question for you: I am looking for a recipe for garlic green beans. I used to go to this little Chinese place (long closed) that made the best – they were tender but also kind of crispy, no doubt with some oil. I’ve tried to create them, but haven’t had any luck.
Help much appreciated and Thanks for all you do!
Fantastic to hear that Annie! Thanks for letting me know! I think this is what you are after -> http://omnivorescookbook.com/szechuan-dry-fried-green-beans/ This is one of my favourite blogs for proper Chinese recipes! N x
THIS IS SO GOOD!
I have to admit, I was extremely skeptical at first, (thinking “Really? Cheeseburger casserole?! Could be amazingly awesome or traumatisingly terrible…Not sure which”) but I had all the ingredients handy and thought why not?
I am pleased to say that my household is firmly in the amazingly awesome camp!
I am slightly embarrassed to admit I squirted mustard over my helping and stirred it in and I think it made it even better, if such a thing is possible 🙂 Can’t have a cheeseburger without mustard!
AWESOME!!! I’m so glad to hear that Chris, thanks for letting me know! N xx PS No shame re: mustard!!!!