Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a quick and easy comfort food meal that combines all your favorite cheeseburger flavors with pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and cheesy without lots of cleanup. Cooking everything in one pot saves time and makes this a family-friendly favorite.
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
- 2 green onions, sliced
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and crumbled, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, mustard, pasta, and 2 cups water.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-16 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let stand about 2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately, garnished with diced tomato and sliced green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with onions for extra veggies.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Top with pickles or extra ketchup for a classic cheeseburger touch.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground beef alternatives and vegetable broth.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently during cooking and ensure enough liquid is present.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, cook as directed, then refrigerate and reheat before serving.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or a cheese blend also tastes great.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—add spinach, zucchini, or corn during cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Conclusion
One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. With classic cheeseburger flavors and creamy melted cheese all combined with pasta in one pot, it’s sure to become a family favorite for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Print
One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A quick and easy one-pot casserole combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty, comforting weeknight meal.
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
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, mustard, pasta, and 2 cups water.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 13-16 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let stand 2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve garnished with diced tomato and sliced green onions.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with onions for extra veggies.
Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version.
Top with pickles or extra ketchup for classic cheeseburger flavor.
Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta sticking.
Simmer uncovered or add cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450-500 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 7-9 g
- Sodium: Approx. 900-1100 mg
- Fat: Approx. 20-25 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8-12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-45 g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-4 g
- Protein: Approx. 25-28 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 70-90 mg
