Here’s a simple, hearty, and 100% plant-based recipe for a Vegan Cheeseburger Casserole — loaded with flavor, creamy vegan cheese sauce, and comforting textures. Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd!
🌱🍔 Vegan Cheeseburger Casserole
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6)
🍝 Base:
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8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta, gluten-free if needed)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb (450g) vegan ground beef (like Beyond, Impossible, or lentil-walnut crumble)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tbsp mustard
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
🧀 Vegan Cheese Sauce:
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1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk
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1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes if not using high-speed blender)
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1/4 cup nutritional yeast
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp tapioca starch (or cornstarch for thickness)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp turmeric (for color)
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1/2 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
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Sliced pickles
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Chopped tomato
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Shredded lettuce
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Vegan burger sauce
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Sesame seeds (for a burger bun feel)
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the “burger” mix:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft (5 min), then add garlic and cook 1 min more.
Add vegan ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns (5–7 min).
Stir in tomato paste, mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Make vegan cheese sauce:
Blend all cheese sauce ingredients until completely smooth.
Pour into a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring constantly until it thickens (5–7 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the casserole:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, “burger” mix, and about 2/3 of the cheese sauce.
Transfer to a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Spread the remaining cheese sauce on top.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a fun “bun” effect (optional).
5. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
🥬 Serve with:
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Sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of vegan burger sauce for a “fully loaded cheeseburger” feel.
🔁 Variations:
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Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds or a potato-carrot based vegan cheese.
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Soy-free: Use lentil-mushroom meatless crumbles instead of soy-based grounds.
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Spicy version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Want a printable recipe card or to turn this into a low-carb version with cauliflower instead of pasta?
