BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger that brings together the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese in a comforting, hearty dish. This casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that many of us grew up loving. The combination of ingredients pays homage to backyard barbecues and family gatherings, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.
People adore this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole for its incredible taste and satisfying texture. The layers of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen tater tots
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and BBQ sauce into the beef mixture. Mix well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preparing the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the egg mixture. Whisk again to incorporate all the spices evenly.
Assembling the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and bacon mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Next, pour the egg mixture over the beef layer, ensuring it covers the meat evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the egg mixture.
- Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. You can be creative with the arrangement, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Cooking Process
- Once your casserole is assembled, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- After 30 minutes, check the casserole. If the tater tots are not yet golden, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit more.
Serving the Casserole
- Using a spatula, cut the casserole into squares and serve on plates.
- If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and added flavor.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some coleslaw for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
- If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (
Conclusion:
In summary, this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a rich BBQ sauce, creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a fresh side salad or some crispy sweet potato fries to balance out the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite toppings like jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even swapping out the beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole a try. I promise it will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this mouthwatering dish together! PrintBBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This comforting casserole features a savory mix of ground beef, crispy bacon, and a cheesy blend, all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners or potlucks, guaranteed to please a crowd!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen tater tots
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and BBQ sauce into the beef mixture. Mix well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the egg mixture. Whisk again to incorporate all the spices evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and bacon mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the egg mixture over the beef layer, ensuring it covers the meat evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the egg mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- After 30 minutes, check the casserole. If the tater tots are not yet golden, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.
- Using a spatula, cut the casserole into squares and serve on plates.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and added flavor, if desired.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking for a convenient meal option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes