Cheeseburger Casserole

Introducing a delightful twist to the classic comfort food – Cheeseburger Casserole! This hearty and satisfying dish combines the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of frozen diced potatoes and the creamy goodness of Velveeta cheese. Perfect for those busy nights when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss.

If you find yourself in a whirlwind of daily life, running between work, school and extracurricular activities, then easy to make dinner recipes are ideal. Many of us do not have time for elaborate meal preparations, which is why you will love casserole recipes!

Casseroles bring a multitude of benefits to the table. From savory flavors to the perfect blend of convenience and versatility.

A few other family-friendly casseroles include Big Mac Casserole, Healthy Taco Casserole and Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

Let the simplified prep work not only save time but also cater to the taste preferences of everyone in your family. Dinner is meant to be a stress-free time to share memorable events from the day. This is possible with this easy cheeseburger casserole recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef 
• 1 small onion diced, divided
• 15 ounces tomato sauce 
• 16 ounces frozen diced potatoes 
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 16 ounces Velveeta cubed, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 
• 1/4 cup pickles, diced

How To Make Cheeseburger Casserole with Velveeta

Start by preheating the oven to 375°F. This helps in achieving consistent cooking throughout the food.

In a large skillet add 3/4 of the diced onion and the ground beef. Using a spatula, carefully break up the beef into large chunks. Let the meat cook for approximately 1 minute. Then, break the chunks into smaller pieces and let cook for approximately 1 minute. Repeat this process of alternating between breaking up the beef and cooking until cooked through.

Then, add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Stir. Add 1/2 of the Velveeta cubes. Cook over medium heat until blended, stirring occasionally.

Pour the potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add the meat mixture, stirring well. Add the rest of the Velveeta cubes and blend. Pour into the baking pan. Add the shredded cheese onto the casserole. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake for 20 minutes. Cooking initially covered with foil will help all the flavors meld together without burning the cheese. Remove the foil then bake an additional 10 minutes to help create a golden-brown crust.

Garnish with the rest of the diced onions and diced pickles. Serve hot.

Recipe Variations

• Instead of lean beef, ground chicken, turkey or pork can be used. You can also consider a mixture of meat such as ground beef and Italian sausage or ground chicken and turkey.
• Turn into a bacon cheeseburger casserole by adding crispy bacon pieces to the casserole and as a topping for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Incorporate sauteed mushrooms for a savory and nutrient-rich addition.
• Mix barbeque or buffalo sauce into the tomato sauce for a tangy flavor.
• Add diced jalapenos, fresh or canned, to the mixture and as a topping for a spicy twist.

What To Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

This hamburger casserole is great because it has all the nutrients and flavor to make it a complete meal. Take advantage of this benefit on busy nights by not worrying about making sides.

If you do want to complement it with sides, here are some ideas that pair well with this cheeseburger bake:

• Leafy green salad drizzled with ranch, vinaigrette or any family favorite salad dressing.
• Roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers or zucchini that have been tossed with olive oil and spices.
• Garnishes such as diced tomatoes, more pickles and onions or sour cream.
• A tangy and crunchy coleslaw or broccoli salad.

Looking for more options? Check out our simple and easy side dish recipes to find one that meets any dietary or taste preferences in your home.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Choose the right casserole dish by finding a dish that is appropriately sized. We use a 9×13 baking dish for this recipe with success. If you only have smaller dishes, then make half a batch or split the recipe between two dishes.
• Customize to your preference by incorporating a variety of flavors, textures and colors. This makes the casserole appealing but also balances the ingredients to include proteins, vegetables, starches and more.
• When working with hashbrowns or diced potatoes, do not thaw prior to mixing into the casserole.
• When adding cheese, mix into the casserole and layer on top to ensure you get the cheesy flavor with each bite.
• Cover with foil when reheating a casserole to prevent the cheesy top from burning or becoming too crispy.
• Precooking ingredients like ground beef helps to speed up the cooking process but also ensure these ingredients are fully cooked when the casserole is done baking.
• Always allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to scoop and serve.
• Assemble ahead of time then refrigerate or freezer until you are ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing. If you still have a large batch left, consider diving it into smaller portions. This prevents the entire casserole from being reheated multiple times.
• Once cooled, transfer to airtight container(s). You can also cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you plan to consume within 1-2 days.
• Store cheeseburger casserole in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• If you want to freeze this casserole, wrap the casserole or divided portions in plastic wrap then place in a resealable freezer bag or container. Store frozen casseroles for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, place in a preheated 350°F oven until it’s heated through, and the internal temperature is 165°F. You can also microwave in 30-second increments until hot.

More Casserole Recipes

• Crockpot Taco Casserole
• Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
• Baked Chicken Ziti Casserole
• Healthy Ham and Potato Casserole
• Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows