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

Absolutely! While rotini catches the sauce beautifully, penne, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking durations.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! Use lean ground beef or even ground turkey, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the cheese by half. You'll still get that cheeseburger flavor with fewer calories.

My kids don't like pickles. Can I leave them out?

The pickles are completely optional! That's the beauty of this casserole – it's easily customizable. You could serve pickles on the side for those who enjoy them, or substitute with a different topping your family loves.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled extra-firm tofu seasoned well with burger seasonings. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you'll have a delicious vegetarian version.

Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

This Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole transforms everything you love about a juicy burger into a hearty, comforting one-pot meal. With savory ground beef, tender pasta, and all your favorite burger toppings baked under a golden crown of toasted buns and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that comes together in just about an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving that burger joint flavor without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish – it’s like getting permission to eat cheeseburgers in a whole new way!
Comfort Food Champion: This casserole delivers all the satisfaction of a drive-thru cheeseburger but in a form that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Weeknight Hero: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this dish is surprisingly quick to pull together, making it perfect for those busy evenings when cooking feels like a chore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star of the show, providing that classic burger flavor and hearty texture. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor, or leaner if you prefer.
Salt, Pepper, and Garlic: This trinity of seasonings enhances the beef’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef. Don’t skip this – it’s part of what makes a great burger!
Butter: Adds richness if you’re using leaner meat. It also helps create the roux that will thicken your sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Works with the fat from the meat (and butter) to create a roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape captures the sauce perfectly in every bite. Plus, the texture holds up well during baking.
Beef Broth: Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks directly in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, rich quality that makes this casserole irresistible.
Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, and Yellow Mustard: This trio brings authentic burger flavor to the dish – they’re non-negotiable!
Cheddar Cheese: Creates that gooey, melty topping that makes everyone dive in with enthusiasm.
Hamburger Buns: Genius addition that toasts up for the perfect crunchy topping while cementing the burger experience.
Dill Pickles: Optional but recommended for that authentic burger experience with bright, tangy notes cutting through the richness.

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

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Cook 8 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and mix half into the casserole before baking. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top with the cheese for a smoky, indulgent twist.

Mushroom Swiss Version

Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions and substitute Swiss cheese for the cheddar. The earthy mushrooms and nutty cheese create a sophisticated flavor profile.

Tex-Mex Burger Casserole

Add a diced jalapeño and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef. Top with a Mexican cheese blend and serve with avocado slices and sour cream.

BBQ Burger Casserole

Replace half the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce and top with crispy fried onions along with the cheese for a sweet and smoky variation.

How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In an oven-safe pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic until nearly browned. Add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onions turn soft and translucent and the beef is fully browned. The kitchen will already start smelling amazing!

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

If you’re using lean ground beef, add the butter and let it melt completely. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This quick roux will give your sauce body and prevent it from being watery.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

Add the uncooked rotini directly to the pot along with beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir everything together, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and cook to perfect al dente.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Top the casserole with cubed hamburger buns, sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese, and add chopped pickles if using. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the bread cubes turn golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the sauce to settle and thicken further, making serving easier and neater.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it will continue cooking in the oven, aim for just shy of al dente when simmering on the stovetop.
Choose the Right Pan: An enameled cast iron Dutch oven or deep oven-safe skillet works perfectly, providing even heating and easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
Toast the Buns: For extra flavor, lightly toast the hamburger bun cubes in a separate pan with a little butter before topping the casserole.
Layer Strategically: Place the bread cubes first, then the cheese, to prevent the bread from getting too soggy during baking.
Fresh Toppings: Have additional fresh burger toppings ready to sprinkle on individual servings – like chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or extra pickles.

How to Serve

This casserole brings the burger joint home, so serve it accordingly with these perfect accompaniments:

Classic Sides

Pair with a simple green salad, sweet potato fries, or crispy onion rings for the complete burger joint experience.

Toppings Bar

Set out small bowls of traditional burger toppings – diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra pickles, sliced red onion, and even some bacon bits – so everyone can customize their portion.

Sauce Selection

Offer additional sauces like extra ketchup, mayo, BBQ sauce, or special sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, and relish) for drizzling over individual servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this almost better the next day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare through the cooking stage but don’t add the bread cubes, cheese, or pickles. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the toppings, and bake as directed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until hot throughout.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While rotini catches the sauce beautifully, penne, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking durations.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! Use lean ground beef or even ground turkey, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the cheese by half. You’ll still get that cheeseburger flavor with fewer calories.
My kids don’t like pickles. Can I leave them out?

The pickles are completely optional! That’s the beauty of this casserole – it’s easily customizable. You could serve pickles on the side for those who enjoy them, or substitute with a different topping your family loves.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled extra-firm tofu seasoned well with burger seasonings. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole brings together everything we love about a great burger in a format that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. It’s comforting, satisfying, and has that magical ability to make everyone at the table happy. Give yourself permission to skip the drive-thru and bring this crowd-pleaser to your table instead – I promise you won’t miss the wrapper or the wait!