BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger that brings comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a rich BBQ sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of summer barbecues and family gatherings.

Originating from the heart of American cuisine, casseroles have long been a staple in many households, celebrated for their convenience and ability to feed a crowd. The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole combines the beloved flavors of a backyard BBQ with the ease of a one-dish meal, making it a favorite among busy families and food enthusiasts alike. People love this dish for its incredible taste and texture, as well as the way it brings everyone together around the dinner table. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a new family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Preparing the Meat Mixture

First things first, let’s get our meat mixture ready. This is where the flavor starts to build!

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
6. Once the beef is cooked, return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking the Pasta

While the meat mixture is simmering, let’s get our pasta cooked. This step is super easy!

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking if you like.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

Now, let’s whip up a creamy cheese sauce that will take this casserole to the next level!

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sour cream and milk over medium heat. Stir until well combined and heated through, but do not let it boil.
2. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Once the cheese sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Assembling the Casserole

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the BBQ beef and bacon.
3. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and meat mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
4. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
5. For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.

Baking the Casserole

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to bake this delicious creation.

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. After 25 minutes, remove

   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 customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as jalapeños for a spicy kick or avocado for a creamy texture. You could even swap out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative to cater to different dietary preferences. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole a try! I’d love to hear about your experience, so don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is bound to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits you! Print
   

   BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

   ---

   • Author: Chef kiwi
   • Total Time: 55 minutes
   • Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   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 1x2x3x

   • 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

   1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.
   4. 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.
   5. 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.
   6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
   7. Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the egg mixture. Whisk again to incorporate all the spices evenly.
   8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   9. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and bacon mixture evenly across the bottom.
   10. Pour the egg mixture over the beef layer, ensuring it covers the meat evenly.
   11. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the egg mixture.
   12. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
   13. Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
   14. 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.
   15. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.
   16. Using a spatula, cut the casserole into squares and serve on plates.
   17. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and added flavor, if desired.
   18. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
   19. 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.
   20. 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