Livia Scott
Golden, cheesy, and bubbling straight from the oven — this Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy pasta bake. Imagine tender rotini noodles tossed with seasoned ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection with a gooey mozzarella topping. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s ready to become a regular at your family table.
Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this casserole combines everything you love about a cheeseburger into one delicious, cheesy bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping a potluck dish, or just craving a nostalgic, satisfying dinner, this recipe checks every box for ease, taste, and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
This dish is a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and loaded with flavor. The beef adds richness, the pasta provides comfort, and the cheese… well, it speaks for itself! It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your dinner table a happy place.
Plus, it’s easily customizable. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, toss in some veggies, or try different cheese blends to make it your own. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it just as good the next day.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Short pasta works best in casseroles, and rotini is a top choice for this dish. Its spiraled shape holds onto the meat sauce and cheesy goodness in every bite. If you don’t have rotini on hand, penne, elbow macaroni, or shells are all great substitutes. The key is choosing a pasta that can trap the sauce and stand up to baking without getting mushy.
Ingredients for the Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creating that comforting, cheesy texture we all crave.
- Rotini pasta – Holds sauce and cheese beautifully with its spiral shape.
- Ground beef – Brings that classic cheeseburger flavor and a hearty, protein-packed base.
- Yellow onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic – Enhances the savory profile of the casserole.
- Tomato paste – Delivers rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Diced tomatoes – Adds moisture and a fresh tomato tang.
- Beef broth – Deepens the flavor of the sauce and keeps it juicy.
- Cheddar cheese – A key cheeseburger element that melts into creamy perfection.
- Mozzarella cheese – Gives a gooey, stringy finish on top.
- Mustard – A hint of tang to mimic classic burger sauce.
- Ketchup – Adds sweetness and ties together the burger flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to bring it all together.
How To Make the Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, and mustard. Simmer for 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat. Stir in half the cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Top with remaining cheddar and all the mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How to Serve and Store Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
This recipe serves approximately 6 hungry people and is perfect for both family dinners and make-ahead meal planning.
To serve, scoop generous portions directly from the casserole dish onto plates, ideally with a side salad or fresh veggies to balance out the richness. It’s a satisfying standalone meal but also pairs beautifully with lighter sides.
For storage, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave covered until warmed through, or pop in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole?
1. Crisp Green Salad
A light arugula or romaine salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the cheese and beef.
2. Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes this meal even more indulgent.
3. Steamed Broccoli
A simple veggie side that brings freshness and balance to the plate.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Their slightly bitter flavor is a great contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.
5. Corn on the Cob
Sweet and buttery corn complements the savory casserole wonderfully.
6. Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños
Add zingy, tangy notes that mimic burger toppings.
7. Coleslaw
Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Just adjust seasoning as needed since beef adds a natural richness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just increase bake time by 5–10 minutes if going straight from fridge to oven.
What kind of cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combo, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very! It’s basically cheesy pasta with a burger twist, and the ketchup and mustard additions are subtle but tasty. Kids usually love it.
Save This Pin For Later
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different type of cheese or meat? Maybe added bacon or a dash of hot sauce?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Conclusion
Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole is everything we love about comfort food — warm, cheesy, and irresistibly savory. It’s a fuss-free way to turn classic burger flavors into a cozy pasta dish the whole family will crave. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply want a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup, this casserole deserves a spot in your rotation.
Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty, cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole is the perfect mix of juicy ground beef, tender rotini pasta, and melty cheese—all baked into one bubbling, golden comfort dish. It’s quick to prep, easy to bake, and kid-friendly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy meal planning. Whether you’re looking for quick dinners, easy casseroles, or family meal ideas, this one-pan wonder has you covered. Great for freezing, reheating, and impressing at potlucks!
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
3. Add the chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, and mustard. Simmer for 5–8 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.
7. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella.
10. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use sharp cheddar for a stronger, cheesier flavor, or mix in some Monterey Jack for a twist.
You can prep the whole dish ahead and refrigerate it before baking — just add 10 minutes to the bake time.
Don’t skip the mustard and ketchup! They’re the secret ingredients that give this pasta its cheeseburger magic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, baked casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, kid-friendly meals
