If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one easy dish, you need to try this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, tender rotini pasta, and melty cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a single pot for effortless cleanup and maximum flavor. This dish lights up the dinner table with its rich textures and vibrant colors, making it a guaranteed family favorite any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building delicious layers of taste, texture, and a hint of freshness to brighten the dish.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the beef and onion, bringing out their natural flavors.
- Ground beef (1 ½ pounds): The hearty protein backbone that makes this casserole truly satisfying.
- Onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the savory base.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify all other flavors.
- Diced tomatoes (28-ounce can, undrained): Brings juicy acidity and color to the dish.
- Tomato sauce (8-ounce can): Adds richness and a smooth tomato texture.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Provides moisture and a savory foundation for the pasta to cook in.
- Ketchup (¼ cup): Introduces a sweet and tangy kick that reminds you of a traditional cheeseburger.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Offers a mellow sharpness, perfectly balancing the flavors.
- Rotini pasta (1 pound): The curly shape holds onto sauce beautifully, making each bite saucy and satisfying.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into creamy, gooey perfection on top.
- Roma tomato, diced: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and mild sweetness.
- Green onions, sliced: A crisp, mild onion touch for garnishing and layering fresh flavor.
How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook together, stirring frequently until the beef is browned and crumbly, and the onion is soft — about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper, as this step builds the foundational flavor of your casserole. Once cooked, drain off the excess fat to keep the dish balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Sauces, Broth, and Pasta
Now stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, rotini pasta, and an additional 2 cups of water. This mixture creates the cooking liquid your pasta needs to absorb all the rich cheeseburger-inspired flavors. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the pot to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 13 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will soak up all those tangy, savory juices, expanding into a creamy, unified casserole.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Let It Melt
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover and let it sit for 2 minutes. This step lets the cheese melt delicately, creating a luscious, golden layer you won’t be able to resist diving into.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, garnish your casserole with diced fresh Roma tomato and sliced green onions. These toppings add lovely texture, brightness, and a fresh bite that complement the rich cheesy beef base beautifully. Now it’s time to serve and enjoy every hearty, flavorful bite.
How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding diced Roma tomatoes and sliced green onions as a garnish brings brightness and a fresh crunch that lift the entire dish. If you want a little extra indulgence, sprinkle a few crispy bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce to personalize your serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Light sides balance the richness of the dish without competing with the cheeseburger flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with cheese and broiled briefly for a bubbly crust. Alternatively, layer it in a clear casserole dish to show off the colorful ingredients, perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making easy lunches or dinners a breeze.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Just transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to redistribute the cheese and sauce, maintaining that creamy cheeseburger casserole goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, feel free to swap in penne, shells, or elbow macaroni — just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed so your pasta is perfectly tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a protein-rich vegetarian version that still packs tons of flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. You can stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the tomatoes for extra nutrition and color, adding your own twist to the classic recipe.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and complements the flavors perfectly, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend to suit your taste.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give it a little kick if you like some spice in your meal.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is like wrapping the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger into a cozy, easy-to-make meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a no-fuss dinner, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to comforting dinner recipes!
Print
One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce with melted cheddar cheese. Made entirely in one pot, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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 Roma tomato, diced (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups water
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, rotini pasta, and 2 cups of water. Mix everything well.
- Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 13-16 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and melt: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover and let it stand for 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the casserole garnished with the diced Roma tomato and sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
