Cheeseburger Casserole

at a glance
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
5 — Votes 6 votes

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This Paleo Cheeseburger Casserole is an epically delicious, healthy meal the whole family will love! It’s made with a layer of crispy hash browns, seasoned burger, a dairy-free cheese sauce, and fresh toppings.

Hamburger Casserole with Cheese

Ok, now let’s talk Paleo Cheeseburger Casserole! It’s no secret that I LOVE BURGERS. A giant burger with french fries was my first meal after Gray’s delivery and I crave one at least once a week. While I prefer my burger bun-less (lettuce-wrapped, instead), I do still like all the fixings. This casserole is fashioned after my favorite meal …made even more epic by a Paleo-friendly “cheese” (or regular shredded cheese, if you’d prefer that!). The casserole starts off with a crispy layer of hash browns (to replace the fries), a layer of seasoned “burger,” and a layer of either (really easy) Paleo cheese or shredded cheese. All you need to do is assemble, bake so that the flavors come together a bit, and top with your favorite fresh bonus fixings. Spoon up your servings and enjoy!

3 layer (hash browns, ground beef, and cheese) cheeseburger casserole that is hot out of the oven and garnished with tomatoes, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and jalapeno

The Paleo diet (sometimes called the “caveman” diet) is a way of eating that involves meat, fish, veggies, fruit, nuts, and seeds. This casserole was originally written as a Paleo recipe with a dairy-free nacho cheese sauce as the cheesy topping. Because we wanted cheese-lovers to enjoy this recipe too, though, we’ve updated it to include the Paleo nacho cheese option AND a regular shredded cheese option, so you can decide which route you want to take.

Ingredients for a Paleo Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole with Cheese

the ingredients for cheeseburger casserole in separate bowls on a marble surface
  • 4 tablespoons of olive oil (or another fat of choice)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds of ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1, 20-ounce package of frozen hashbrowns (or 5 cups of shredded potatoes)
  • 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese OR Paleo nacho cheese
  • 4 slices of bacon, cooked, for topping
  • 1/4 head of iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced, for topping
  • 1/2 of a tomato, diced, for topping
  • 1 avocado, diced, for topping
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced, for topping

How to Prepare this Paleo Casserole

A person using a wooden spoon to stir diced onions in a cast iron skillet
a person using a spatula to flip over browned shredded hash browns
3 layer (hash browns, ground beef, and cheese) cheeseburger casserole that is hot out of the oven
a person holding a wooden spoon to brown ground meat in a cast iron skillet
a person adding ground beef to the cast iron skillet on top of the crispy shredded hash browns
3 layer (hash browns, ground beef, and cheese) cheeseburger casserole that is hot out of the oven and garnished with tomatoes, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and jalapeno
a person adding shredded hash browns to a cast iron skillet
a person sprinkling shredded cheese over top the ground beef in a cheeseburger casserole
a plate of garnished cheeseburger casserole
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Saute the onions and garlic – heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a 13-inch cast iron pan (or an oven-safe skillet of similar size). Add the diced onions and garlic and saute for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef – add the ground beef, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the onion and garlic, and cook for 7-8 minutes, until the ground beef is browned and fully cooked. Then remove the ground beef mixture from the pan and set aside.
  4. Brown the hashbrowns – add the 3 tablespoons of oil to the pan, then add the hashbrowns. Cook the hashbrowns for 5-6 minutes, then flip, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and cooked through.
  5. Assemble the casserole – place the ground beef mixture on top of the hashbrowns in an even layer. Then, top with either the Paleo nacho cheese or shredded cheese.
  6. Bake – put the skillet in the oven and bake the casserole for 15 minutes.
  7. Top, serve, and enjoy – once the casserole has finished baking, garnish it with the lettuce, bacon, tomato, avocado, and jalapeno, and serve!

If you’ve ever been to the ground beef section of the grocery store, you know that there are lots of different lean/fat ratios to choose from when it comes to this versatile protein. We typically use 85/15 ground beef for this recipe (and most ground beef recipes in general).

What is the best way to serve Paleo Cheeseburger Casserole?

Because this casserole is a really balanced meal all on its own, you actually don’t need to make anything extra to go alongside it. If you want to, though, a nice simple green salad would be really tasty!

How should you store the casserole? Does it freeze well?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored this way, it’ll keep for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months! My favorite way to do this is to package individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers so that I can heat up a serving (or two!) at a time.

Paleo Cheeseburger Casserole Video

Here’s the recipe video with step-by-step instructions, enjoy!

Top down view of cottage pie in a round, white casserole dish with a spoon resting under a scoop and a bowl of cottage pie in the top right corner.

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Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

By: Cassy Joy Garcia
5 — Votes 6 votes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6 Servings
This Paleo-friendly cheeseburger casserole has all the classic elements of a burger and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients  

For the Casserole:

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil or other fat of choice, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 20 ounce package frozen hashbrowns or 5 cups shredded potatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese or Paleo nacho cheese for dairy-free

For the Topping:

  • 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 head iceberg lettuce thinly sliced
  • 1/2 to mato diced
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 jalapeno thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • In a 13-inch cast iron pan, or 9×13 inch oven-safe pan, heat the oil over medium heat, add the diced onions and garlic and saute 5 to 7 minutes, until onion is translucent. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper, and cook 7-8 minutes until ground beef is browned and fully cooked. Remove from pan.
  • Add the 3 tablespoons oil to the pan, then add hash browns. Cook 5 to 6 minutes, then flip, and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and cooked through. Place the ground beef and onion mixture on top of the hash browns, then pour on the nacho cheese.
  • Put the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. While casserole is baking, prepare the toppings.
  • Once casserole has finished baking, garnish with the lettuce, bacon, tomato, avocado, and jalapeno and serve!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Amount per Serving
Calories
536
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
32.1
g
49
%
Saturated Fat
 
9.1
g
57
%
Cholesterol
 
154.1
mg
51
%
Sodium
 
922.5
mg
40
%
Carbohydrates
 
6.2
g
2
%
Fiber
 
1.6
g
7
%
Sugar
 
3.6
g
4
%
Protein
 
54.1
g
108
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Meet the Author
Cassy Headshot

Cassy Joy Garcia

HOWDY! I’m Cassy Joy and I am just so happy you’re here. I’m the founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Nutrition Consultant here at Fed and Fit. What started as a food blog back in 2011 has evolved now into so much more.
Get to know Cassy

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Amanda says

    Amanda —  02/27/2018 At 09:24

    Ummmm…this recipe is going to the top of my menu for next week! It looks so good!! As far as tv shows- if you liked New Girl then I recommend Young and Hungry and also Baby Daddy! Both are silly and cute!

  2. Rachel says

    Rachel —  02/27/2018 At 09:27

    Have you watched The Crown yet?! If not, it’s a must see!!! Also, When Calls The Heart is a great one to watch too 🙂 And oh this recipe looks yummy! I can’t wait to try it!

  3. Leah says

    Leah —  02/27/2018 At 09:41

    I would definitely recommend Scandal!

  4. Devlin says

    Devlin —  02/27/2018 At 09:44

    I had the same experience with my girls! Lots of binge watching while snuggling. If you have amazon prime Sneaky Pete and Goliath are 2 really good shows. I second the The Crown, great show!

  5. Kristin says

    Kristin —  02/27/2018 At 09:46

    This looks great, can’t wait to try! And that cheese – so far I haven’t found a paleo friendly cheese I like, so I’m excited to try it! Two of our favorite Netflix binges have been Shameless and Nurse Jackie, and I loved Breakinh Bad too. My old favorites that I watch over and over are Friends, The Office, and Parks and Rec

  6. Diana says

    Diana —  02/27/2018 At 09:53

    Hi! I watched so much tv while nursing too! Definitely the most tv I have ever watched in my life in such a short period of time.
    Some shows that I watched and loved during the first few months were How to Get Away with Murder, Life in Pieces (short episodes and easy to watch), Glitch, and Travelers.
    Thank goodness for Netflix!!

  7. Andrea says

    Andrea —  02/27/2018 At 10:11

    Agree above with Young and Hungry – but Netflix just released the third season of Crazy Ex Girlfriend. Wikipedia describes it as a “romantic musical comedy-drama television series” and it’s absolutely wonderful.

    Also, this meal is definitely happening next week in our household. YUM!

  8. Mary Smith says

    Mary Smith —  02/27/2018 At 10:44

    Many moons ago i binge watched reruns of Seventh Heaven and supermarket sweep (pre netflix) while nursing my 2 oldest.
    Call the Midwife and Stranger Things are my current favorites. Enjoy the time with that sweet baby!

  9. Julie Normand says

    Julie Normand —  02/27/2018 At 11:16

    If you haven’t already, I definitely recommend watching Parenthood! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry…it’s the best!!

  10. Varsha Patel says

    Varsha Patel —  02/27/2018 At 13:06

    Ugh I agree that “Parenthood” is SOOOO good! One of my favorites! The Crown. How to Get Away With Murder. Royal Pains (a medical show that is actually smart and entertaining!) Master of None.

  11. Varsha Patel says

    Varsha Patel —  02/27/2018 At 13:07

    OH and how could I forget!! Madam Secretary is also wonderful.

  12. Shannon w. says

    Shannon w. —  02/27/2018 At 15:10

    I enjoyed the docuseries Dark Money. And second (third, fourth?) the suggestion for The Crown. Call the Midwife is also a nice, pleasant little show. Godless was great too but it’s not everyone’s taste. Handmaid’s Tale was also great if you’re up for some Hulu viewing.

  13. Leah says

    Leah —  02/27/2018 At 21:53

    That looks amazing! I loved the binge tv shows when my bubba’s were small and I was stuck on the couch feeding. I’m not sure if it’s the same in America (I’m in Australia) but I really loved Chuck, Hart of Dixie, Gilmore Girls, Victoria and Suits. Enjoy that time, once they start moving it gets so busy. I rarely get time to watch tv at all now and if I do it’s kiddy shows

  14. Tayler N. says

    Tayler N. —  02/28/2018 At 07:20

    I saw this recipe get posted and I decided I needed to make it ASAP! So that’s what I did. It was fantastic and pretty dang easy to make! This was also my first time making Fed & Fit’s paleo ‘cheese’ and let me tell you…we will be make it again. So. Good!

  15. Samantha says

    Samantha —  02/28/2018 At 12:12

    Going to make this tonight!! Can’t wait!!

    Hart of Dixie is the show I binged when my little guy was actually still little!! It’s similar to Gilmore Girls in that the town plays such a huge role in the show. Those two shows are my fave so I highly recommend Hart of Dixie if you like Gilmore Girls.

    Also Queer Eye just released on Netflix and it’s such an uplifting show. I cried several times watching it.

    Thank you for a great recipe, can’t wait to try it out!

  16. Julia says

    Julia —  03/05/2018 At 17:01

    A couple tips for anyone who hasn’t made this yet but plans to. I cooked the bacon first, and then used the bacon fat to saute the onions and garlic, plus the meat. Also, this is a LOT of meat! I used my largest skillet (13″), but after the meat was finished cooking I decided to reserve about half of it for another recipe. I don’t think I could have made this in my regular cast iron skillet (9″) but would love to hear if anyone else did!

    Looking forward to eating this tonight and seeing how much my husband and toddler enjoy it!

    Netflix recommendations: Ozark and Mindhunter. These are kind of dark but I’m into that 🙂

  17. Alyssa says

    Alyssa —  03/07/2018 At 10:12

    This was so so so delicious. I’m wondering if anyone has any tips for getting their hashbrowns crispy. I can never quite do it right!

  18. Bethany says

    Bethany —  03/11/2018 At 01:35

    Hart Of Dixie! It’s in Netflix and you’ll love it!

    I’m not a TV gal either but I watched a lot on during the first few months.

  19. Faith says

    Faith —  03/11/2018 At 20:26

    This was SO good!! I only wish I’d made more for leftovers!

  20. Joni says

    Joni —  07/05/2018 At 23:31

    The Crown, Hart of Dixie, Crazy ExGirlfriend and I loved the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. Also the movie Set it Up on Netflix.

  21. Erin says

    Erin —  08/25/2018 At 20:37

    Oh my gosh! This looks great. Thank you for always having meals that my husband and daughter are willing to eat. It makes life as a working mom so much easier!

  22. Jennifer Lovett says

    Jennifer Lovett —  10/25/2019 At 07:22

    Watch imposters and wanted on netflix!

  23. Tiffany says

    Tiffany —  01/18/2020 At 20:26

    5 stars
    SO GOOD and clean! I felt full and didn’t find myself searching for snacks after! I swapped regular potatoes for sweet potatoes!
    Has anyone ever frozen the leftovers for later meals? It makes so much!

  24. Lyndsy G says

    Lyndsy G —  03/22/2020 At 20:47

    5 stars
    Made this tonight with premade hashbrowns patties. Baked them and put in a 13 by 9 pan. Turned out great!

    • Brandi Schilhab says

      Brandi Schilhab —  03/24/2020 At 07:45

      Awesome! We’re glad you enjoyed it, Lyndsy!

  25. Alisat says

    Alisat —  04/20/2020 At 22:44

    5 stars
    This was easy and delicious, thank you!

    • Brandi Schilhab says

      Brandi Schilhab —  04/21/2020 At 04:50

      So glad you enjoyed it!!

  26. Allie says

    Allie —  10/19/2020 At 17:39

    5 stars
    So simple and so delicious!!!

    • Brandi Schilhab says

      Brandi Schilhab —  10/20/2020 At 07:56

      Yay! So glad!

  27. Jackie says

    Jackie —  10/25/2020 At 19:38

    5 stars
    Fantastic! I made this at the same time as the Philly Cheesesteak casserole (on this site) and it was so easy & delicious. I used shredded cheese instead of nacho cheese. Also used tater tots instead of hashbrowns, because I didn’t realize till later that I didn’t buy hashbrowns. I don’t think it would make a difference though. I cooked it exactly the same way. All the men in the house loved it and that means something in the South.

    • Brandi Schilhab says

      Brandi Schilhab —  10/26/2020 At 07:58

      That’s so great to hear, Jackie!!!