Chicken Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that transforms all the classic cheeseburger flavors into an easy, oven-baked dinner. It’s made with seasoned ground chicken, pasta, melty cheese, and a savory sauce that pulls everything together. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something satisfying, family-friendly, and easy to prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this casserole because it’s a fun twist on both a cheeseburger and a pasta bake. It’s loaded with all the things I crave—savory chicken, creamy cheese, a touch of ketchup and mustard for that burger flair, and tender pasta in every bite. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and I can easily prep it ahead and bake it when ready.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground chicken
pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
onion, diced
garlic, minced
tomato paste or ketchup
yellow mustard
Worcestershire sauce
cream cheese or sour cream
cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil or butter
optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, green onions, sesame seeds
directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, I heat oil and sauté the onion until softened. I add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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I add the ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
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I stir in the tomato paste (or ketchup), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cream cheese or sour cream. I cook until everything is combined and creamy.
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I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until fully coated.
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I transfer the mixture to the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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I bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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I garnish with chopped pickles or green onions before serving if I want that full cheeseburger effect.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings. Prep time is 15 minutes, and bake time is 20 minutes—ready in about 35 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or plant-based meat. I’ve added cooked jalapeños for extra flavor. For a low-carb version, I’ve used cauliflower in place of pasta. When I want more veggies, I toss in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts. It reheats well and makes a great next-day lunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, I’ve used both and they work great. The seasoning makes sure it still tastes like a cheeseburger either way.
Do I have to bake it, or can I serve it straight from the skillet?
You can definitely serve it from the skillet once the cheese is mixed in, but baking it adds a nice cheesy top.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble it fully, cover it, and refrigerate. Then I bake it when I’m ready to eat—just add a few more minutes to the bake time if it’s cold.
What pasta shape works best?
I like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne because they hold the sauce well and give a nice bite.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, I let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze it for up to 2 months. I thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Conclusion
Chicken Cheeseburger Casserole is a fun, flavorful way to enjoy all the best parts of a cheeseburger in cozy, cheesy casserole form. It’s easy to customize, quick to throw together, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this one’s a winner every time.
Print
Chicken Cheeseburger Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Cheeseburger Casserole is a cheesy, comforting twist on classic cheeseburgers, baked into an easy pasta casserole. Made with ground chicken, melty cheddar, tender pasta, and a savory burger-inspired sauce, this oven-baked dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger—turned into a cozy, one-pan meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add ground chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
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Stir in tomato paste (or ketchup), mustard, Worcestershire, and cream cheese or sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly.
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Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped pickles, tomatoes, or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used in place of chicken.
- Add cooked jalapeños for a flavor boost.
- Cauliflower can replace pasta for a low-carb version.
- Bell peppers or mushrooms make great veggie add-ins.
- Serve straight from the skillet if skipping the bake—still delicious!
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