Cheeseburger Ramen Bake – Easy, Cheesy & Total Comfort!

Name: Cheeseburger Ramen Bake
Total Time: 40 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Intensity: Easy
Servings: 4-6
Lasts: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

The Ultimate Fusion of Two Beloved Comfort Foods

Imagine the juicy, savory satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger combined with the irresistible, slurpable comfort of ramen noodles. This Cheeseburger Ramen Bake is exactly that—a wildly delicious, one-dish wonder that is as fun to make as it is to eat. It transforms humble instant ramen into a hearty, family-friendly casserole, loaded with seasoned ground beef, a creamy, tangy cheese sauce, and all your favorite burger toppings. It’s quick, affordable, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients

For the Bake

3 (3 oz) packages instant ramen noodles (flavor packets reserved for another use*)
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (360ml) beef broth
¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup (about 4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup (about 4 oz) shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese, divided

For the Topping & Garnish

½ cup dill pickle slices, chopped (plus extra for serving)
1 Roma tomato, seeded and diced
¼ cup finely diced white onion (optional, for crunch)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
Sesame seeds (optional)
Extra ketchup and mustard for serving

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish or a 10-inch oven-safe skillet
Large pot for boiling noodles
Large skillet
Whisk
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Break the ramen noodle blocks into quarters (this makes them easier to mix and serve). Cook the noodles for 2 minutes only—they should still be quite firm, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain immediately, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef & Aromatics

In your large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for flavor.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the “Special Sauce”

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar and ½ cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the par-cooked ramen noodles and chopped pickles to the skillet. Gently toss until every noodle is coated in the cheesy beef sauce.
Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 5: Add the Cheese & Bake

In a small bowl, toss together the remaining ½ cup of cheddar and ½ cup of Colby Jack cheese. Sprinkle this cheese blend evenly over the top of the bake.
Bake, uncovered, for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly for easier serving.
Scatter the diced tomato, diced white onion (if using), and fresh parsley over the top. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice finish.
Serve hot directly from the dish, with extra pickles, ketchup, and mustard on the side for that true burger-bar experience.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Variations

Ramen Packet Note: We omit the high-sodium flavor packets to control the seasoning. Save them! They make a great addition to meatloaf, popcorn seasoning, or homemade dry soup mixes.
Noodle Choice: Standard instant ramen works perfectly. Do not use “cup noodles” or pre-cooked fresh ramen packs.
Cheese Flexibility: Use any good melting cheese you love. American cheese will give you an ultra-creamy, classic diner-style melt.
Make it “Bacon Cheeseburger”: Cook 6 slices of chopped bacon in the skillet first. Remove bacon, then cook the beef in the bacon fat. Use the cooked bacon as a garnish.
Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or pickled jalapeño juice to the sauce, or garnish with sliced jalapeños.
Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or very lean beef, low-fat cheese, and 2% milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still flavorful.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 5 servings)