Cheeseburger Casserole

Our cheeseburger casserole is winter's answer to summertime's backyard cookouts: The dish offers everything you love about a cheeseburger that's fresh off the grill, but you can quickly throw it all together in the comfort of your kitchen, no patty-flipping required. Plus, a cheeseburger casserole is more portable than a platter of burgers, so you can easily ferry it to the basketball team party or deliver it to the sleep-deprived new parents who live down the street. 

Ground round combined with all the usual suspects (onion, chiles, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce) creates a satisfying base, but it's the finishing layer of crispy tater tots, two types of cheeses, and thick-cut bacon bits that makes this cheeseburger casserole the ultimate crowd pleaser. Just don't count on having leftovers; this one is sure to disappear the second it hits the table.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Casserole

To make this casserole, you'll need:

• Olive oil: To brown the meat and onions.
• Ground round: Lean ground beef; can be substituted with other types of ground beef if preferred.
• Sweet onion: Builds flavor.
• Tomato paste: Adds rich flavor and umami to the meat mixture.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the saucy beef mixture for a spoonable casserole.
• Beef broth: The base of the gravy-like sauce that coats the beef.
• Canned diced tomatoes and green chiles: For a bright kick. Can use standard diced tomatoes if needed.
• Spicy brown mustard: Adds a punch of tanginess.
• Worcestershire sauce: Builds umami flavor in the beef mixture.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasons the beef.
• Monterey Jack cheese: A mild, buttery flavor. Can substitute with other types of preferred shredded cheeses, including Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and more.
• Mild Cheddar cheese: A mildly sharp, classic cheesy flavor.
• Cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking to the pan.
• Frozen tater tots: A quick topping that bakes up golden brown, crisp, and delicious.
• Thick-cut bacon slices: Crumbled over the casserole for a salty bite. Can leave out if preferred.
• Fresh chives: Adds a bright oniony flavor and pop of color.
  
• Ketchup: Optional, for drizzling over the casserole.

How To Make Cheeseburger Casserole

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Cook ground round and onion until beef is cooked through and onion is tender. Drain fat from skillet.
• Step 2. Add tomato paste and cook. Stir in flour and cook. Gradually add broth, and cook until thickened.
• Step 3. Stir in diced tomatoes and chiles, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup each of Monterey Jack cheese and Cheddar cheese and stir to melt.
• Step 4. Spoon into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
• Step 5. Top evenly with tater tots. Place onto a rimmed baking sheet.
• Step 6. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses, and bake until melted. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with bacon and chives. Drizzle with ketchup, if desired.

Can I Make Cheeseburger Casserole Ahead?

The ground beef layer of this casserole can be prepared in advance, which makes it perfect for getting ahead of the week, or for dropping off to friends or neighbors.

Cool completely before transferring to a greased baking dish. Then wrap and refrigerate for up to two days, or freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen before baking. When ready to bake, top with tots and bake as directed.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Cheeseburger Casserole

Although leftovers are unlikely, store leftover cheeseburger casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot throughout before serving. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave.

What To Serve With Cheeseburger Casserole

This twist on classic cheeseburgers doesn't need much for a hearty, satisfying dinner. Serve with a side salad or favorite veggie sides for a complete meal your family will love.

More Hearty Casserole Recipes You'll Love

There's nothing like a hot casserole to warm and fill you up on cold nights. From beef to chicken casseroles, these dishes are also great make-ahead meals for busy weeks:

• Chicken Tortilla Casserole
• Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
  
• King Ranch Chicken Casserole
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
• Sloppy Joe Casserole
• Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
• Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.