Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Update : March 2, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole is a family-friendly dish that combines all the favorite flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting texture of pasta. It’s a one-pot meal that saves time on both cooking and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy tomato soup, melted cheese, and seasoned beef create a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that kids and adults will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and toppings.

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 (1 lb) box small pasta shells
2 (10.5 oz) cans tomato soup
1/2 cup water
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a combination)
Seasoning to taste (I use salt, pepper, & garlic powder)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375° F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, brown the beef in a large pan over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove any excess grease and season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add the cooked pasta, both cans of soup, 1/2 cup of water, and half of the shredded cheese to the pan. Mix well with the ground beef. At this point, do a taste test and see if you’d like to add more seasoning.
Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the center of your oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown.

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Serve this delicious casserole hot from the oven. You can garnish it with fresh herbs or serve it with a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal. It’s also great on its own!

How to Store Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

Once cooked, let the casserole cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

Tips to Make Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole

For extra flavor, add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef while it cooks.
Swap out the pasta for other shapes, like penne or elbow macaroni, if you prefer.
Feel free to mix in some vegetables, such as peas or corn, for added nutrition.
Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor, mixing cheddar with mozzarella or gouda.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by replacing the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of water for even more flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Q: What else can I add to the casserole?
A: You can add chopped vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to increase the nutrition and flavor.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add some extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.