8 Creative Comfort Foods for Anyone Who Loves a Good Burger
They come with all the flavors of your favorite fixin’s.
If there’s one food that truly defines American cuisine, it’s the hamburger. Nothing hits the spot like a perfectly charred patty on a buttery bun and stacked with toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles (except maybe if it’s served with French fries and a heaping of creamy coleslaw).
Still, if you’re looking to switch up the original, there are plenty of fun ways to reimagine the classic combination of ground beef and gooey cheese, plus all the must-have toppings. Whether it’s reassembling the fixings on skewers, fusing them with macaroni, or piling them on a bed of lettuce, these burger-inspired recipes go way beyond the bun.
If you’re craving something light and fresh for a summer cookout, serve cheeseburger salad complete with mini bun croutons (sesame seeds and all!), or pass out cheeseburger bites as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This list features ways to enjoy burgers all year long, too: Try ground beef baked with pasta and cheese in a casserole that’s perfect for busy evenings or hamburger meat tossed in a soothing broth will warm everyone up on a school night. No matter what you’re craving, these creative burger recipes are guaranteed to give your next burger night a major upgrade!
Cheeseburger Salad
If you’re craving something lighter than the original, this salad is all about the toppings. In this deconstructed burger, mini patties and bite-sized bun croutons are tossed with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, bacon, and Thousand Island dressing.
Get the Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Cheeseburger Pie
For a burger-inspired recipe that’s warm and cozy, pair ground beef with a buttery filling and a heaping of cheese before popping it in the oven. Any slice is basically begging to be served with pickles and ketchup!
Get the Cheeseburger Pie recipe.
Hamburger Casserole
A mashup between melty cheeseburgers and homey bolognese, this recipe is pure comfort food. The no-fuss casserole is hearty, gooey, saucy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get Ree’s Hamburger Casserole recipe.
Cheeseburger Bowls
If your idea of the perfect meal is a cheeseburger and fries, these bowls will blow you away! Juicy patties are covered in melted cheese, plopped on a bed of crisp fries, piled high with crunchy toppings, and finished off with burger sauce.
Get Ree’s Cheeseburger Bowls recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
These skewers make bun-less burgers look a lot more enticing! Layered with mini cheeseburgers, sliced tomatoes, crinkle-cut pickle chips, and crisp lettuce, this recipe takes 20 minutes to pull off, yet it serves six people ‘round the table.
Get Ree’s Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Hamburger Soup
On a cool night, you’ll be craving this hamburger soup. It’s hearty and wholesome from the meat, potatoes, and broth, yet it’s packed with veggies, which also makes it a nutritious choice. Plus, it’ll be ready in 45 minutes!
Get Ree’s Hamburger Soup recipe.
Cheeseburger Casserole
For the ultimate cozy meal, why not fuse burgers with mac and cheese? This creative burger recipe takes ground beef to the next level with gooey cheese, tender macaroni, and a crunchy panko topping.
Get Ree’s Cheeseburger Casserole recipe.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
This fun take on Hamburger Helper is filled with nostalgic flavor and satisfying add-ins, such as macaroni, beef, bacon, tomato sauce, and cheese. It’s a one-pot winner that’ll be on the table in 35 minutes tops.
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
Hamburger Casserole
Steak Sheet Pan Dinner
Mini Meatball Sandwiches
Taco Spaghetti
