One-Pan Cheeseburger Casserole with Homemade Biscuit Topping

This easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, ketchup, and a flaky biscuit topping. Simple to prepare and full of nostalgic flavors, it’s a weeknight favorite that feeds a crowd.

Some of the best dishes are the ones we inherit from family. My mother made this Cheeseburger Casserole when I was little, and it later became a favorite with my own boys. With browned ground beef, a tangy ketchup layer, melted cheddar, and a golden biscuit crust, the casserole is hearty, straightforward, and perfect for feeding hungry families. If you’re short on time, canned biscuit dough makes an excellent shortcut without sacrificing comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and familiar pantry staples make this recipe simple to throw together on busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors—cheesy, savory, and satisfying.
• Comforting: Warm, filling, and nostalgic—an ideal go-to for cold nights or casual gatherings.
• Flexible: Easily adapt with store-bought biscuits, different cheeses, or leaner proteins.

How to Portion, Cook, and Freeze

• Scale for Two: Halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller 6.5 x 10 inch dish for two servings.
• Freeze Ahead: Assemble the beef and cheese layers, freeze in a covered baking dish, and add biscuits fresh when you’re ready to bake.
• Bake from Frozen: If baking from frozen, cover with foil and heat at a lower temperature until warmed through; then add biscuits and continue baking until the topping is golden.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Use the measurements below when preparing the full 9 x 13-inch casserole. For exact directions, see the recipe card near the end of this article.

Cheeseburger Base

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef – lean or extra-lean works well.
• Approximately 1 cup ketchup – adds sweet-tangy flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese – or a cheese blend of your choice.

Homemade Biscuit Topping (or substitute canned biscuits)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter – cold, cut into pieces for flaky biscuits
• 1 cup milk

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a reliable, delicious casserole. Cooking times are approximate—watch for a golden-brown biscuit topping and bubbly cheese.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain off excess fat.
3. Spoon the cooked beef evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Squeeze or spread approximately 1 cup of ketchup over the beef to form an even layer.
4. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese evenly over the ketchup-covered beef.
5. Make the biscuit dough: in a bowl, stir together 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder, 3 teaspoons sugar, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 3/4 cup cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add 1 cup milk all at once, stirring gently until the dough just holds together.
6. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently 10–12 strokes. Roll to about 1/2-inch thickness, fitting a sheet roughly the size of the 9 x 13 pan. Place the rolled dough over the cheese layer, covering the casserole.
7. Bake at 375°F for about 30–35 minutes, or until the biscuit top is golden brown and cooked through. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Time-saver: Use canned biscuits or pre-made dough if you need to shave off prep time.
• Keep the butter cold: For flakier biscuits, work quickly and keep the butter chilled until it’s cut into the flour.
• Don’t overmix: Stir biscuit dough just until it holds together to keep biscuits tender.
• Tool tip: A floured surface or pastry cloth makes rolling easier and helps prevent sticking.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner casserole.
• Add chopped onions, mushrooms, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Mix in a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the savory taste.
• Stir in crumbled bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version.
• Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses instead of cheddar.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Casserole

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
• Pickles, coleslaw, or a simple slaw for a bright, crunchy side.

Recipe Card

Cheeseburger Casserole with Homemade Biscuit Topping

Yield: 8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• About 1 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, cold
• 1 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown and season the ground beef; drain and spread in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Top with ketchup and then the grated cheese.
3. Make biscuit dough by combining dry ingredients, cutting in butter, then adding milk and stirring just until the dough holds together.
4. Gently knead and roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness to fit the pan; place over the cheese.
5. Bake 30–35 minutes until the biscuit topping is golden and baked through. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: 693 | Total Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1098mg | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 34g

Enjoy this cozy, easy-to-make cheeseburger casserole as a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings everyone to the table. If you try it, leave a comment or share a photo and tag the cook who inspired the recipe—Rita Joy.