Cheeseburger Casserole is a one pot, 30 minute recipe that’s outrageously good. Beefy, cheesy and saucy, it tastes like cheeseburgers in pasta form. It’s a homemade Hamburger Helper – a tastier and much healthier version of the popular boxed pasta!
I love a good one pot recipe, and this one sits alongside reader favourites including Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice, Sausage Bake with Vegetables and Gravy, Baked Chicken with Garlic Butter Rice and the one skillet Asian Beef Noodles!
“It’s beefy, cheesy and saucy – Hamburger Helper tastes like cheeseburgers in pasta form!”
Cheeseburger Casserole
The first time I published this recipe, I said that I burnt my mouth taste testing this straight out of the pot.
And almost 3 years later, I’m saying the same thing – yet again, I burnt my mouth.
I took a small taste to check for seasoning. Had a swoon moment, then scooped up a huge spoonful and shovelled it in my mouth.
And totally scorched the entire roof of my mouth. OUCH.
Here’s an up close and personal look at the offender. Look at it. Can you blame me for my lack of self control??
Another ground beef recipe!
I’m a big fan of ground beef (mince) recipes because it’s economical, requires no chopping and it’s a terrific sponge for flavour.
So for those of you who put a packet of beef mince in your shopping basket this week, this Cheeseburger Casserole is for you! The key ingredients are fairly standard pantry items. And the items that are not can be substituted:
carrot, celery and corn are optional. Feel free to add other chopped veg
some subs available for the spices
The cheese is not optional. If you skip it, then this pretty much becomes a bolognese, hmm??
One pot! 20 minutes!
The beauty of this recipe is the speed at which it has to be cooked. You cannot cook the pasta for longer than 12 minutes, otherwise your sauce will disappear and you’ll end up with overly soft pasta.
It’s a 19 minute job on the stove:
Onion, garlic, celery, carrot – 4 minutes
Brown beef – 3 minutes
Add the other stuff and stir – 2 minutes
Cook – 8 minutes (no peeking!)
Stir & Cheese – 1 minute
Melt -2 minutes
TOTAL 20 minutes
(PS I used to work in finance. This is the extent of the maths I do nowadays 🤓)
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a recipe from my good friend Jo from Jo Cooks. It’s one of many fabulous one pot recipes in her cookbook, 30 Minute One Pot Meals.
I originally shared this recipe back in 2016 to celebrate the release of her cookbook. It was fabulous then, and it’s just as fabulous now. ❤️
Sometimes, I reduce the amount of pasta (because I always have half packets 250g/8oz lying around!) and up the veg quota. Zucchini and red peppers /capsicum are ideal. Jo also suggests topping it with diced tomato which is a great topping.
If you do this, then you might not need a side salad. But if you do, try your garden salad or steamed vegetables with French Dressing, Balsamic Dressing or my favourite Italian Dressing. Or make a big batch of Broccoli Salad that will last you days and days! – Nagi x
PS And if you feel like a total carb blow out, add a side of Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread. *She swoons at the thought and her skinny jeans are cursing*
More One Pot Ground Beef / Mince recipes
Chili Mac – mash up of Mac and Cheese with Chilli Con Carne, so good!
Asian Beef and Ramen Noodles – one skillet, 15 minutes
Taco Soup – don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, it’s amazing!
Browse all One Pot recipes and Ground Beef / Mince recipes
Cheeseburger Casserole
Watch how to make it
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 small carrot * , chopped (optional)
- 1 celery stalk * , chopped (optional)
- 500 g/ 1 lb ground beef (mince) , preferably lean
- 12 oz / 340g dried macaroni , uncooked
- 1/2 cup frozen corn * , optional
- 2 cups chicken broth/stock, low sodium
- 1 tbsp hot sauce or Sriracha sauce , adjust to taste
- 1 tsp American chili powder (Note 1)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder , or sub onion powder
- 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 – 2 cups (150 – 200g) cheddar or tasty cheese, shredded (Note 3)
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese , for topping
Garnish (optional)
- 1 green onion , sliced
Instructions
- Heat oil in a dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium high heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Add celery and carrot, cook 3 minutes until soft.
- Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink – 3 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese. Stir to combine, add macaroni, then turn down to medium or medium low so it’s simmering gently.
- Cover, cook 8 minutes. Pasta should be just about cooked, and still nice and saucy.
- Add cheddar cheese, stir. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with lid, cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Remove from stove. The pasta should now be cooked – tender but firm, not mushy, slick with sauce, not dried out.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, if using.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Life of Dozer
This is the same Dozer photo I shared when I first published this recipe back in 2016 – Dozer looking at Jo’s cookbook instead of the food.
We all know I was holding a treat just out of frame to make him do that.
But she loves the photo so much anyway, I can’t change it!!
Hi Nagi, would Mexican Chili Powder work in place of American Chili Powder?
Yes definitely Angela, just use to taste as I’m not sure how hot you like it! N x
The meals look so good and yummy and it doesnt take alot of time to make the dishes up
Soooo yummy!! My bf who’s eaten A TON of hamburger helper even asked where I got the recipe 🙂 Adding this to our list of favorites.
Hi, I’m curious as to why you use chicken broth rather than beef broth?
Hi Wendy, beef has a much stronger flavour and would overpower the dish here – chicken works perfectly 🙂 N x
Omit the chilli and hot sauce because of the kids. Super easy and tasty. Surely will make it over and over again. Fantastic quick meal for weekdays
Great meal on a chilly night! Lot of leftovers for freezing as well — Thanks Nagi! And give Dozer a pat on his head for us!
Wahoo! That’s great to hear Nadine! N x
FYI; I live in America and have access to Chili powder of course, but can’t you guys order from McCormick’s, on line, For their ‘Dark chili powder? ‘ This is the most American you can buy! Stay safe!
Hi Redonia, I just use what’s readily available in the supermarket without having to order online and pay for shipping 🙂 N x
It’s been a while since I cooked this but it went down an absolute storm. I’m currently doing a lot of recipe surfing as I’m laid up with suspected Coronavirus (am on the mend, and luckily symptoms have been relatively mild). When I asked my boyfriend what he’d like the for first meal I cook once we regain our senses of taste and smell he replied, without hesitation, Cheeseburger Casserole. That’s how good it was!!!
Oh no Kerry, hope you feel better soon!! N x
I just fish cooking your Cheeseburger casserole , and it’s so good !!! Thanks
WOOT, I’m so happy you love it Sandra! N x
Just wondering if the American chilli is similar to the Hoyts Cajun spice mix?
No it’s different Eleri! N x
Another winner. The kids were iffy on it but my husband and I loved it. It makes a ton of leftovers for only two people so I am blessing the folks at work with lunch.
Now I need to find something to make tonight. Nagi never lets me down.
That’s awesome Shelly, you’ll be the favourite in the office!!
Oh Nagi! I can’t get enough of this recipe! I’ve made it so many times now & it has never failed me. I love easy cooking as I’m a basic cook & your recipes are simple enough for me to master yet the taste is always top level! You have made me feel cheffy👩🏻🍳 so thank-you!
Also excuse my ignorance, but how is your name pronounced? I’m always bragging about your site to friends & hoping I’m getting it correct
That’s so great to hear Lynette! And my name is pronounced “Nah-ghee” ☺️
This reminds me of a much more basic recipe my mom made when we were kids. Macaroni mixed with ground beef (both cooked) then add a can of corn and 1 tin of tomato soup (undiluted). We called it Bobby MacIntosh after a little boy who lived next door and loved having dinner with us when she made it. Of course, it was much simpler than your recipe which I must try.
I love food memories Wendy! ❤️
We just smashed this recipe for dinner! Seconds and thirds–thanks!
Wahoo, that’s great to hear!
I desperately want to try this recipe but unfortunately I can’t seem to find these small macaroni pasta. Is it fine if I use the Cellentani pasta. Do I keep the same measurements when it comes to the ingredients? Would appreciate your advice.
Hi Luana, that pasta will work fine here 🙂
Hi Nagi,
Thanks for the reminder as this is one of my favorites. Tonight’s batch was the best one yet.
Hi Dozer.
Wahoo!!!
I’m making this right now, and have added … Mild American mustard! It smells absolutely divine! Can’t wait to try it 🙂
I hope you love it Kate!
Hi Nagi. Desperately looking for a recipe to feed 50 teenagers. I definitely don’t have a pot big enough to take that quantity. Is there any way I could do this in the oven?
P.S. I’m a huge fan and we eat one of your meals almost every week. Hoping one day you’ll release an app. Keep up the delicious work.
I love this recipe. I’ve been making it for a couple years now. It’s my quick go to. However I’ve noticed it’s been tweaked, a couple new ingredients and different cooking times. Not sure why but I had zero issues with the original. I never make mine with carrots or celery either and always double my corn and add jalapeños. YUM!
Hi Chelsea, yes I have just updated the recipe 🙂
Hi Nagi…
Ohhhhh Myyyyyyyy !!!!
I JUST found your site yesterday! And that means I have spent way too much time looking around at all of the deliciousness you have created.
Question…Is there a ‘Spot” where I can stash my favorite recipes…like a ‘Recipe box’ seen on other sites?
I want to be able to come back and Easily find ones I would like to cook without taking too much time searching around.
I apologize if there is one that I’m just not seeing.
Thank so much, and I can’t wait to try several of your creations!
Christie in Southern California
I’ve just also found this site. Soooooo much I want to make. I’ve been pinning the recipes I want to try.
Hi Christine, we may have this feature coming soon!
Super fast, super easy, and Absolutely delicious! Subbed ground turkey & fire roasted tomato (just because it’s what I had) and my family of 6 gobbled down every bite! Thank you for our new family favorite!
Sounds divine Amy!!