Gluten-Free Baked Cheeseburger Casserole
This hearty casserole transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a satisfying one-dish meal. Ground beef is seasoned with mustard and garlic, then combined with tangy tomatoes, ketchup, and barbecue sauce for that iconic burger taste. Tender little potatoes and melted cheddar cheese make it a complete comfort food dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. The dish bakes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly, creating a family-friendly meal that captures all the flavors of a cheeseburger without the bun.
Ingredients
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 Tbsp corn starch
- ¾ lb little potatoes, quarteredred potatoes1:1
Cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- chopped pickles, for garnish(optional)
- fresh tomatoes, for garnish(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish
- 2
Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, drain excess fat if needed
- 3
Stir in garlic, salt, mustard, and pepper and cook one minute
- 4
Add tomatoes, ketchup, and barbecue sauce
- 5
Whisk together milk and corn starch and add to the pan
- 6
Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened slightly
- 7
Quarter the little potatoes
- 8
Pour ground beef mixture, quartered potatoes, and one cup of cheese into prepared baking dish and stir to combine
- 9
Top with remaining cheese and cover with lightly greased foil
- 10
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until potatoes are fork tender
- 11
Serve with chopped pickles, tomatoes, and other cheeseburger toppings
Tips
Drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure the sauce thickens properly.
Quarter the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and become fork-tender within the baking time.
Grease the foil before covering to prevent the melted cheese from sticking when you remove it.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed adding 5-10 minutes if needed.
Serve hot directly from the baking dish with classic cheeseburger toppings like pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, or mustard.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the ground beef to avoid excess grease pooling in the casserole.
Grease the foil covering to prevent melted cheese from sticking and tearing when removed.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use regular potatoes instead of little potatoes?
Yes, cut regular potatoes into similar-sized quarters or chunks to ensure even cooking within the 50-60 minute baking time.
What if I don't have corn starch for thickening?
Substitute with 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour whisked with the milk, or let the mixture simmer longer to reduce naturally.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.