Cheesy Burger Casserole
A hearty, cheesy burger casserole blending ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain.
- Saute green pepper and green onions with garlic salt in margarine until tender.
- Mix in flour.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in mushroom soup.
- Simmer for several minutes.
- Add cooked ground beef and grated Cheddar cheese, mixing well.
- Cook over low heat until cheese melts, stirring frequently.
- Mix in chopped celery, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with cooked and drained spaghetti in a baking dish, mixing well.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using lean ground beef or swapping it with ground turkey. You can also add chopped mushrooms or diced tomatoes for extra texture. If you want a creamier consistency, try substituting half of the cheddar with cream cheese. Remember to season layers well, as the flavors build up in this casserole, similar to All-American Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Burger Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls. Consider offering a side of pickles or coleslaw, which complements the rich flavors of this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For a crispy topping, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Burger Casserole contains roughly 1245 calories, with 42g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2271mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking at 350°F until bubbly.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version by combining 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and sautéed mushrooms with a thickener like cornstarch. This will give you a fresh flavor while maintaining the creamy texture needed for the casserole.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).