Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole: A Cheesy Western-Inspired Comfort Food

If you love hearty American comfort food, this Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is going to be your new family favorite. It takes all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, smoky BBQ sauce—and transforms them into a baked pasta casserole that’s filling, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

This dish combines ground beef, sweet corn, tender pasta, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese. The result is a bubbly, golden, crowd-pleasing casserole that feels like a cowboy feast straight out of the Wild West.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mix with mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
1 can corn kernels, drained
1 cup cooked pasta (penne, elbow, or macaroni)
½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky works best)
½ cup diced onions
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
¼ tsp smoked paprika (for cowboy-style flavor)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

Heat oil or butter in a skillet.
Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Stir in the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Cook until browned and no pink remains.

2. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, BBQ sauce, and the beef mixture.
Mix well so every bite has that cheesy BBQ flavor.

3. Bake the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish, then spread the mixture evenly.
Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Slice into portions and enjoy with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or crispy potato wedges.

Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole

Cheese upgrade: Mix cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Meat twist: Use half ground beef and half ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add veggies: Bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms make it even heartier.
Extra sauce: Stir in a spoonful of ketchup or mustard for a cheeseburger vibe.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, then bake right before dinner.

Serving Suggestions

With a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Alongside garlic bread or cornbread for a cowboy-style dinner.
Garnished with crispy fried onions or jalapeño slices for extra crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cut into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: What pasta works best?
Short pasta like elbow, penne, or rotini holds the sauce and cheese perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is a flavor-packed, family-approved dinner that’s easy to make, filling, and guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s the perfect combination of smoky BBQ beef, cheesy pasta, and sweet corn—comfort food at its best.