If you are searching for a comforting and truly satisfying meal that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one easy dish, this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is an absolute game changer. It’s a deliciously cheesy, hearty casserole that combines juicy ground beef, tender rotini pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese into one pot, making dinner both simple and scrumptious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving that perfect balance of cheesy goodness and savory flavor, this recipe will quickly become your go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe are straightforward but pack a punch in taste and texture. Each element enhances the dish, from the juicy ground beef to the creamy cheddar and the fresh touches of tomato and green onion for brightness.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and is perfect for browning the beef evenly.
- Ground beef: Provides the meaty base and hearty flavor crucial to cheeseburger-inspired dishes.
- Diced onion: Offers a sweet, aromatic base that complements the beef beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds moisture, acidity, and a touch of sweetness to balance the richness.
- Tomato sauce: Thickens the casserole while boosting the tomato flavor intensity.
- Chicken broth: Introduces depth and a savory element to the cooking liquid for the pasta.
- Ketchup: Brings that familiar tangy-sweet note reminiscent of classic cheeseburgers.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that elevates the flavor complexity.
- Rotini pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto all the delicious sauce and cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for creamy, gooey cheeseburger perfection.
- Roma tomato (diced): Provides a fresh, juicy garnish that adds bright, crisp texture.
- Green onions (sliced): Lends a mild oniony crunch ideal for finishing the casserole with color and flavor.
How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Begin by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and crumbled, about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy, allowing the flavors to shine.
Step 2: Add the Sauces, Broth, and Pasta
Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice along with tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Then add the rotini pasta and 2 cups of water to the pot. This combination not only flavors the pasta as it cooks but also creates a rich, savory base that mimics the best parts of a cheeseburger experience.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 13 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly. The pasta will absorb all those wonderful flavors, creating a creamy sauce that’s the perfect comfort food texture.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot and let it sit for about 2 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey topping that pulls all the flavors together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe with fresh diced Roma tomato and sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. These garnishes add texture and a bright contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole below, making every bite a delightful experience.
How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like diced Roma tomatoes and sliced green onions offer the perfect fresh, crisp contrast to the rich casserole. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little drizzle of mustard for an extra flavor punch that ties the whole dish together.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out the meal, serve this casserole with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans for some fresh crunch. Classic sides like garlic bread or even some oven-roasted potatoes complement the deep flavors and make the meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins topped with sliced pickles and a dollop of ketchup or mustard on the side. This playful presentation mimics the classic cheeseburger experience while keeping it elegant for guests or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the cheese creamy. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy reheated dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the casserole for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or using airtight freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish seems too thick. Covering while reheating helps keep the cheese melty and the casserole moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding onto the sauce, you can substitute with penne, elbow macaroni, or even small shells if you prefer.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a leaner option. The flavors will be slightly lighter, but the casserole will remain delicious with the rich tomato and cheese components.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for that classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend for different cheesy profiles.
Can I add extra veggies to this casserole?
Definitely! Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn when adding the tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful that extra veggies may affect the cooking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that transforms a beloved classic into an easy, flavor-packed meal perfect for any night of the week. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate with every bite loaded with cheesy, meaty goodness and comforting pasta. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your family and friends — it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen!
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
A hearty and simple one pot cheeseburger casserole combining ground beef, rotini pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a quick and comforting family dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
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 (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and crumbled and the onions are softened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients and Pasta: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, rotini pasta, and add 2 cups of water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 13-16 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the pot from heat. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and let it stand for 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly into the casserole.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the casserole garnished with the diced Roma tomato and sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner version.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
