This Cheeseburger Casserole takes just 30 minutes to make in a single skillet! Your family will love this homemade hamburger helper!
Be sure to try my Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole next!
I think my family has been eating this cheesy, beefy macaroni at least every two weeks ever since I started making Instant Pot Hamburger Helper. But now that I can make this Cheeseburger Casserole in just one pot, I’m even more hooked.
PLUS, this is a perfect freezer meal. Read on for everything you need to know about this fabulous recipe.
⭐Do not miss my first PRO tip in this post, it will make you a better cook for life! ⭐
How to Make it
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Cook and crumble the ground beef and the onions. Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste and stir until combined. Add the beef broth and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine.
Cover and heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir, then cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, until just al dente.
Stir in the sour cream and half of the milk. Only add the remaining milk if desired it for consistency purposes. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle on 2 + 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Let the cheese melt and the sauce become creamy. Top with remaining cheese and parsley. Serve!
Pro Tips
- Refrain from adding cold ingredients into warm pasta when you prepare it. This includes the cheese, sour cream, and milk. (Otherwise, ingredients can separate, milk can curdle, and the consistency may become grainy.)
- Shred the cheese yourself. Buy your cheese in blocks whenever possible and shred it at home. It will melt and taste much better. I use Heluva Good! Sharp Cheddar. It melts perfectly.
Make Ahead Method
- If you prefer to to the prep work for this casserole ahead of time, prepare the recipe as-instructed but cook the pasta covered for 7 minutes instead of 8.
- Stop at step #10, right before you top the casserole with additional cheese.
- Let the casserole cool down, then top it with cheese.
- Refrigerate for up to two days, then bake it in a 350 degree oven, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Top with parsley and serve!
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Try These Next!
Get My Free Meal Plan
I’ve got a Free Meal Plan with 7 of my super popular recipes (complete with grocery list)! Sign up for my email list and I’ll send it over now along with weekly dinner recipes!
And follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, at room temp. Separated.
- 1 lb. Ground Beef, 85% lean
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (16 oz.) box elbow macaroni, *uncooked*
- ¾ cup sour cream, at room temp
- ½ cup whole milk, at room temp
- Chopped Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Shred the cheese and set it aside. It should be at room temperature when added to the pasta later.
- Season the ground beef with desired amount of salt and pepper.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the onions. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and the tomato paste and stir until well-combined.
- Add the beef broth and the uncooked macaroni, stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium or medium/low.
- Cover the pot and heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir briefly, replace the cover, and heat for 5 more minutes, or until just al dente.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. Only add the other half if desired.
- Gradually sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar, stirring as you do so.
- Once the cheese is melted and you have a uniform consistency, top with the remaining cheese.
- Replace the lid and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Top with parsley and serve!
Notes
- Whole milk is recommended for a creamier consistency, but a lower fat milk may also be used.
- A teaspoon of ketchup and yellow mustard can be added when the pasta is cooking to round out the cheeseburger flavors! A touch of dill pickle relish can also be added at the end.
Make-Ahead Method
- If you prefer to to the prep work for this casserole ahead of time, prepare the recipe as-instructed but cook the pasta covered for 7 minutes instead of 8.
- Stop at step #10, right before you top the casserole with additional cheese.
- Let the casserole cool down, then top it with cheese.
- Refrigerate for up to two days, then bake it in a 350 degree oven, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Top with parsley and serve!
Nutritional information is an estimate and is per serving. There are 5 servings in this recipe.
Nutrition
Just made this tonight. It was so flavorful and creamy. I following the directions to the “T” and it turned out so well. I have already added it to my favorite recipes list!!
Hi Bethany!! I’m so so happy to hear that, you are the best- thank you for taking the time to rate and comment!!! 🙌🏻❤️ -Stephanie
I’m trying to find quick and easy recipes to make as a new mom and this just became a favorite! Easy to follow instructions and super delicious! Thank you!
Liz, made my entire night! You have no idea! -Stephanie
Super yummy and my picky toddler scarfed it down!
Gosh I love to hear that. If melts my heart. Thank you so much Jen!!! ❤️❤️
Can you use a different kind of cheese?
Sure thing Kellie! Monterey Jack or Sharp White Cheddar are great options. You can also mix in some Gouda, Havarti, Mozzarella, etc.
I can’t wait to make this! Was wondering, do I drain the grease out of the hamburger meat before I continue after browning it? I don’t see it mentioned here but wanted to make sure. Thank you!
Hey Emily! I didn’t find it necessary, but if you have a lot of grease, then yes I would drain it! ENJOY!!! -Stephanie
I’m on my second go around for making this casserole as my son has asked for it again! And it’s only been two weeks. My husband was delighted to hear it’s for dinner again. And I’m thrilled to give my family “hamburger helper” that I control what goes in it. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Hey Jennifer! I’m sooooo happy to hear that!! A dinner that your son and husband like is like GOLD! So glad to hear it, thank you so much for taking the time to share that! -Stephanie
Stupid question, is the nutritional information for the whole casserole or per serving? How big is serving?
Hey Vanessa! This recipe makes five servings, and so the calorie information is based on each serving! I am working on making this more clear in the recipe cards by restructuring them a little bit! 😃
5 stars Delicious and so creamy! I followed as written except added a little mustard with the tomato paste. Also love that you call for grating your own cheese! Seems more and more on line recipes call for all the pre made stuff!
Hey Mary!! I’m so happy that you loved the recipe, and I totally like the variations that you added!!! Definitely glad that you appreciate grating your own cheese, it makes such a difference, I remember hearing The Pioneer Woman say that once and I’ve never looked back! 🙂 Have a wonderful day, and thank you so much for taking the time to rate and comment! -Stephanie
Very nummy on a night when the weather is turning colder and we needed some comfort food!
Hey Denise! I’m SO happy that you enjoyed this!! I am really looking forward to the Fall weather so we can all start enjoying these recipes more! Casseroles have been my thing lately! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and comment! -Stephanie
Quick and easy and so good.
Hey Angelica! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating, I’m so happy that you enjoyed this!! 🙂 -Stephanie
HI,
Wow! I so enjoy your site and your recipes. Would you please consider adding a print option so we can enjoy your recipes a little more easily. I really wish I liked cheeseburger casserole. Thank you so much.
Hi Jessica! At the very top of each post there is a button that says “print”, (next to the buttons that say “recipe” and “comment” buttons.) Within the recipe card itself, there is a big print button right underneath the picture of the recipe. So two print options for you! 🙂