Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole

Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is a warm, hearty dish that combines the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger with the rich, savory taste of sautéed mushrooms—all baked into a cheesy, creamy pasta casserole. This easy-to-make, family-friendly meal is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving comfort food with a flavorful twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy & Comforting – All the classic cheeseburger goodness in baked form.
One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup with big flavor payoff.
Hearty & Filling – Loaded with beef, pasta, cheese, and mushrooms.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Kid-Approved – Familiar flavors that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup shredded cheese
• Chopped pickles or parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Saucepan for cheese sauce
• Pot for pasta
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk and spatula
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef & Mushrooms

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until veggies are soft.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually add milk and beef broth, whisking constantly until thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef-mushroom mixture, and cheese sauce.
3. Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with extra cheese if desired.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley or diced pickles for a cheeseburger-style finish.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
Use Sharp Cheddar – Adds bold flavor that holds up in the casserole.
Cook Pasta Al Dente – Prevents it from becoming mushy while baking.
Add a Crunchy Topping – Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work great.
Make It Your Own – Add bacon, jalapeños, or a drizzle of mustard before baking.
Let It Rest – Allow it to sit a few minutes after baking so it holds its shape when serving.

Serving Suggestions
Simple Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up cheesy bites.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds a healthy, colorful side.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing finish to a hearty meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals.
• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and still delivers great flavor.

2. Do I have to use mushrooms?
Not at all—feel free to leave them out or swap with another veggie like zucchini or bell pepper.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can also use Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a blend.

4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Final Thoughts
Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger—beef, cheese, savory mushrooms, and comforting flavor—baked into a bubbly, satisfying casserole. It’s easy to make, perfect for leftovers, and sure to be a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Give it a try and let me know how you top yours! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your favorite customizations.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

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