Hey there, friend! Before we dive into this rich, rustic, ridiculously good Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole, I just want to take a second to say THANK YOU for being here. Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen cowboy or just starting your culinary trail ride, your time means the world to me—and I’m thrilled to have you sharing my table.
Now, saddle up, because this casserole? It’s everything you crave on a weeknight—hearty, cheesy, smoky, and completely satisfying. Think all the best parts of a cheeseburger mixed with the cozy comfort of a baked pasta dish. And yes, it’s just as outrageous as it sounds.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This dish is:
- Ridiculously easy – one skillet + one casserole dish = done!
- Family-approved – even the picky eaters go back for seconds!
- Budget-friendly – simple ingredients, big flavors.
- Make-ahead magic – prep now, bake later.
What Does Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole Taste Like?
Imagine this: the juicy, savory flavor of seasoned ground beef, sweet pops of corn, smoky BBQ sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and pasta soaking up all that deliciousness. It’s cheesy, tangy, meaty, and slightly sweet in all the right ways. Each bite hits like a rodeo of flavor!
Health & Practical Benefits
- Protein-packed with beef and cheese
- Vegetable boost thanks to corn (and hey, feel free to toss in more!)
- One-dish cleanup – because who wants to wash a sink full of pans?
- Leftover-friendly – it reheats beautifully!
Ingredients Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or elbow work great!)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Casserole baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 works perfectly)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh—highly recommended!)
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
Want to make it your own? Go for it!
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Black beans for added fiber and texture.
- Chopped pickles or jalapeños for a tangy kick!
- Crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch (highly recommend).
- A splash of hot sauce in the BBQ mix if you like heat.
How to Make Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions, salt, and pepper until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Mix It All Up
In your casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef and onions, drained corn, BBQ sauce, and most of the shredded cheese. Stir it all together until evenly combined.
Step 3: Top & Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 4: Serve & Devour
Let it sit for 5 minutes (if you can wait!) before serving. That cheese will be gooey, the sauce thickened, and the flavors even better.
What to Serve with This Casserole
This dish is a meal on its own, but here are a few sidekicks that pair like boots and spurs:
- Simple green salad with ranch or southwest dressing
- Garlic bread (because carbs are life)
- Roasted veggies – think broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Sweet potato fries for a sweet-savory combo
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
- Use a smoky BBQ sauce for more depth of flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente – it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Freshly shred your cheese – pre-shredded doesn’t melt quite the same.
- Want extra cheesiness? Stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese before baking!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Microwave in 60-second bursts or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
General Info
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 hungry cowboys (or cowgirls!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, uncover and pop it in the oven.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check your BBQ sauce and seasonings.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure thing—swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans. Still super tasty!
Wrapping It All Up
This Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is weeknight comfort food at its finest—easy, crowd-pleasing, and outrageously delicious. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I’m kicking myself for not having made it sooner!
So go ahead, round up your ingredients and give it a try. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.
More Recipes You’ll Love (Especially If You’re Into Comfort Food)
- BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Southwest Pasta Skillet
- Creamy Bacon Mac & Cheese
- Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole
Description
Hey there, friend! Before we dive into this rich, rustic, ridiculously good Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole, I just want to take a second to say THANK YOU for being here. Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen cowboy or just starting your culinary trail ride, your time means the world to me—and I’m thrilled to have you sharing my table.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can corn kernels, drained
1 cup cooked pasta (penne or elbow work great!)
½ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup diced onions
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions, salt, and pepper until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
In your casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef and onions, drained corn, BBQ sauce, and most of the shredded cheese. Stir it all together until evenly combined.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let it sit for 5 minutes (if you can wait!) before serving. That cheese will be gooey, the sauce thickened, and the flavors even better.
