Cheeseburger Biscuit Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together all the delicious elements of a cheeseburger in an easy-to-make casserole form. It’s packed with ground beef, tangy pickles, melted cheddar, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The biscuit topping adds a crispy, buttery finish that makes this dish extra special. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that saves you time and effort without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni
• ½ cup chopped dill pickles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Biscuit Topping:

• 2 packages (12 ounces each) refrigerated biscuits
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ teaspoons dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and return the beef mixture to the pot.
3. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add dry elbow macaroni, stir, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, until noodles are tender and sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in chopped dill pickles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Transfer the mixture evenly into a 9″x13″ baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Separate the refrigerated biscuits and arrange them on top of the casserole.
9. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush half of this butter mixture over the biscuits.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
11. After baking, brush the remaining butter mixture over the biscuits. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses instead of cheddar.
• Biscuit topping alternative: Use crescent roll dough or homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. The biscuit topping is best enjoyed fresh but can be crisped up again in the oven.

FAQs

What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuits?

You can use crescent roll dough, homemade biscuit dough, or even puff pastry as a topping alternative.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze before baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Small shells, rotini, or penne work well as substitutes for elbow macaroni.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free biscuits for the topping.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but the flavor will be milder. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

What kind of pickles work best?

Dill pickles add the classic tangy cheeseburger flavor, but bread-and-butter pickles can be used for a sweeter note.

Can I add extra cheese inside the casserole?

Yes, adding more cheese inside or on top will make it even cheesier and richer.

How do I prevent the biscuits from getting soggy?

Make sure the sauce isn’t too watery before adding biscuits. Also, brushing the biscuits with butter helps keep them crisp.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids love the familiar cheeseburger flavors combined in a casserole format.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious, comforting meal that combines classic cheeseburger flavors with the convenience of a casserole. With its savory beef and tomato sauce, melty cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and crispy biscuit topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe offers a satisfying and hearty dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor.

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