bacon cheeseburger casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best bacon cheeseburger casserole recipe

I first encountered the bacon cheeseburger casserole recipe about 10 years ago, when my sister-in-law brought it to our family reunion. It was a huge hit with everyone, especially the kids. I was immediately drawn to it because of its simplicity and the fact that it combines two of my favorite foods: bacon and cheeseburgers.

As a busy mom, I appreciate recipes that can be made in large quantities and are easy to serve to a crowd. This casserole fits the bill perfectly. Since then, I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quick weeknight dinner.

My kids love it because it’s essentially a cheeseburger in a convenient casserole form. My husband appreciates how easily it can be customized with his favorite toppings. And I love it because it’s relatively healthy compared to other casseroles out there – we’re talking ground turkey or beef, whole wheat buns, and plenty of veggies.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients like shredded cheese and cooked bacon. The original recipe called for ground beef, but I’ve successfully substituted ground turkey and even black beans for a vegetarian option. My family has never complained about the substitution either!

The best part is that this casserole is ridiculously easy to make – just brown some bacon, cook your meat of choice, add in some cheese, sour cream, and a few other ingredients, and you’re good to go! It’s also very versatile; you can customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins without altering the basic structure of the dish.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

4.8 from 1547 votes

A hearty casserole that captures the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a convenient baked dish. Ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese are combined with tender pasta in a savory tomato sauce.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup beef broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
5Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings.
6Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
7Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
9Stir well and bring to a simmer, then cook for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
10Combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and beef broth in a large bowl.
11Stir until evenly mixed, then transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
12Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and reserved bacon evenly over the top.
13Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
14Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped pickles if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Large pot
Colander
Mixing spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Works

This bacon cheeseburger casserole is a reliable choice for any family gathering or casual dinner. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it reheats well in the oven or microwave.

For serving, I like to top each portion with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and a dollop of ketchup or mustard to keep that burger experience alive. It is a simple, satisfying dish that always gets compliments and never leaves anyone hungry.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can swap ground turkey for beef. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning since turkey can release more liquid. The flavor will be a bit milder, so you may want to add extra Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.

2. What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is my go to because it melts well and has a strong flavor that stands up to the beef and bacon. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Avoid pre shredded cheese if possible since it contains anti caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time since the dish will be cold. It also freezes well for up to 3 months if you wrap it tightly.

4. How do I keep the bacon from getting soggy?

Cook the bacon until it is very crispy before crumbling it into the casserole. I also recommend adding half of the bacon to the filling and reserving the other half to sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This keeps the top layer crunchy.

5. Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be. Use gluten free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of regular pasta, and check that your Worcestershire sauce and mustard are certified gluten free. Most other ingredients like beef, cheese, and bacon are naturally gluten free.

6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even chopped spinach work well. Saute them with the onions before adding the beef so they soften and release moisture. This adds nutrition without changing the burger flavor too much.

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