Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this casserole. Add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of beef bouillon to enhance the flavor, as turkey is naturally milder than beef. The cooking process remains exactly the same, and you'll still get that satisfying burger experience with fewer calories.

My family doesn't like pickles. Can I leave them out?

Of course! The pickles add that classic burger tanginess, but you can definitely omit them. Consider adding 2 tablespoons of pickle juice to the meat mixture to maintain some of that flavor, or substitute finely diced bell peppers for a different crunch and flavor. Your casserole will still be delicious without pickles.

Can I make this in advance for a potluck?

This is a perfect potluck dish! Prepare it completely, but bake it for only 15 minutes covered at home. Transport it carefully, then finish the baking (5 minutes covered plus the 5 minutes uncovered) at your destination. This ensures it will be hot and fresh when served. If that's not possible, bake it completely, wrap well, and reheat covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes at the potluck location.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (many brands are, but not all). Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. The casserole will have a slightly different texture with gluten-free buns, but will still deliver that fantastic cheeseburger flavor everyone loves.

Chopped Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Name: Chopped Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 cup diced pickles (sweet or dill, according to your preference); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 8 hamburger buns; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

This irresistible Chopped Cheeseburger Casserole transforms everyone’s favorite fast food into a comforting, family-style dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine all the flavors of a perfect cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and soft buns—layered into a hearty casserole that’s ready in under an hour. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings the burger joint right to your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Comfort Food: This casserole captures everything wonderful about a cheeseburger—minus the drive-thru line! It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish. It’s like having permission to eat burgers with a fork!
Make-Ahead Marvel: You can prep this casserole earlier in the day and simply pop it in the oven when dinner time approaches.
Complete Meal: With protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish, you don’t need to worry about multiple side dishes. Just add a simple salad if you’re feeling virtuous!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star of the show! Provides that classic burger flavor and hearty protein. Lean beef works best to avoid excess grease.
Yellow Onion: Adds essential savory flavor and slight sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
Pickles: These bring that essential burger tang! You can use dill for a more traditional flavor or sweet pickles for a unique twist.
Worcestershire Sauce: This magical ingredient adds depth and umami that makes the beef taste extra “beefy” and delicious.
Ketchup: Provides sweetness, acidity, and that classic burger sauce flavor you’re looking for.
Yellow Mustard: Adds tanginess and complexity to balance the rich flavors.
Onion & Garlic Powder: These seasonings enhance the savory flavors without adding texture—perfect for picky eaters who might object to more visible aromatics.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Hamburger Buns: Using actual burger buns rather than regular bread creates that authentic cheeseburger experience.
Butter: Creates a rich, toasty flavor on the buns and helps everything brown beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly and provides that classic cheeseburger taste. The sharper the better for maximum flavor!
Sesame Seeds: The finishing touch that makes this casserole instantly recognizable as a cheeseburger-inspired dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Add 6-8 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for an indulgent twist. Sprinkle some on top too for extra crunch!

Pizza Burger Fusion

Add pepperoni slices and substitute mozzarella for half the cheddar. Mix 1/4 cup of pizza sauce with the ketchup for a pizza-burger mashup.

Southwest Style

Add a can of drained corn, a diced bell pepper, and substitute pepper jack for the cheddar. Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips instead of sesame seeds.

Mushroom Swiss Version

Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a sophisticated variation.

How to Make Chopped Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced pickles, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and reduce heat to low to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Bun Base

Thoroughly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Take the bottom halves of all 8 hamburger buns and chop each into 9 pieces. Arrange these pieces evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of melted butter over the bun pieces, ensuring even coverage. Place the dish in the oven and toast the bun base for 8 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Remove the dish from the oven and spread the warm beef mixture evenly over the toasted bun pieces. Cover completely with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the 8 top buns on the cheese layer in a 4×2 pattern, creating 8 distinct servings.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Brush the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the top buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the buttered buns for that classic burger look. Cover the dish loosely with foil, being careful not to let the foil touch the buns.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the covered dish to the 400°F oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and everything is heated through. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Buns Properly: Don’t skip the initial toasting step! This prevents the bottom layer from becoming soggy and creates a sturdy base for all those delicious toppings.
Drain the Beef Well: Taking time to properly drain the cooked beef prevents excess grease in your final dish.
Pickle Prep: Pat your diced pickles with paper towels before adding them to reduce excess moisture in the casserole.
Cheese Strategy: Reserve about 1/2 cup of cheese to sprinkle on top of the buns in the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy finish.
Let It Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time at the end are crucial! It allows the casserole to set up properly and makes serving much easier.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty casserole with simple, fresh sides that balance the richness:

Crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
French fries or tater tots (for the full burger joint experience)
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch

Garnish Ideas

Set out small bowls of classic burger toppings for everyone to customize their portion:

Extra pickle slices
Diced fresh tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Sliced avocado
Additional ketchup and mustard

Nothing beats letting everyone add their favorite burger toppings tableside for a fun, interactive dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking, but don’t add the top buns, butter, or sesame seeds. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the top buns, brush with butter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together!

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top during the last few minutes for an extra-appetizing appearance.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Either freeze the whole casserole (unbaked and without the top buns) or freeze individual portions after baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the instructions above.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this casserole. Add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of beef bouillon to enhance the flavor, as turkey is naturally milder than beef. The cooking process remains exactly the same, and you’ll still get that satisfying burger experience with fewer calories.
My family doesn’t like pickles. Can I leave them out?

Of course! The pickles add that classic burger tanginess, but you can definitely omit them. Consider adding 2 tablespoons of pickle juice to the meat mixture to maintain some of that flavor, or substitute finely diced bell peppers for a different crunch and flavor. Your casserole will still be delicious without pickles.
Can I make this in advance for a potluck?

This is a perfect potluck dish! Prepare it completely, but bake it for only 15 minutes covered at home. Transport it carefully, then finish the baking (5 minutes covered plus the 5 minutes uncovered) at your destination. This ensures it will be hot and fresh when served. If that’s not possible, bake it completely, wrap well, and reheat covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes at the potluck location.
How can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (many brands are, but not all). Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. The casserole will have a slightly different texture with gluten-free buns, but will still deliver that fantastic cheeseburger flavor everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

This Chopped Cheeseburger Casserole brings all the joy of a burger joint experience to your family dinner table with none of the fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes an instant family tradition—comforting, satisfying, and impossible to resist. The combination of toasty buns, savory beef, and melty cheese creates something truly magical that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Give this casserole a try the next time you’re craving burgers but want something a bit more special than the standard fare!