Oh, you know those nights when dinner just needs to be *easy* and ridiculously comforting? Like, magically appear in 45 minutes or less? That’s exactly where this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole comes in for us. Seriously, the moment I perfected this recipe, it became a total weeknight superhero in my kitchen. It’s got all the craveable flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger, all tucked away in a warm, bubbly casserole dish. My kids gobble it up, and honestly, I’m usually scraping the pan clean too. It’s just pure, unadulterated comfort food that never fails to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Seriously, this casserole is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:
- Super Easy: Dump and go, mostly! It’s practically foolproof.
- Quick Fix: Ready in under an hour, from start to finish. Perfect for busy nights!
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves bacon, cheese, and burgers, right? It’s a guaranteed hit.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Minimal Cleanup: Mostly just one pan and your baking dish. Yes, please!
- So Versatile: Easily tweakable with veggies or different cheeses.
Ingredients for the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Alright, gathering everything you need for this oh-so-easy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole couldn’t be simpler! You’ll want about a pound of ground beef, 8-10 slices of bacon that you’ll cook up and crumble (trust me, crispy bacon bits are non-negotiable!), one medium onion that’s chopped small, and a couple of minced garlic cloves. For the creamy, cheesy base, grab a can of condensed tomato soup, a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup, and about a cup of milk. A little salt and pepper for seasoning, of course. Then, we’ll mix in two cups of shredded cheddar cheese – use your favorite kind! – and about a cup of cooked pasta. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Alright, let’s get this yummy casserole in the oven! It’s really as simple as it sounds. Just like whipping up a quick skillet meal, you’ll find these steps super straightforward.
Preheating and Browning the Beef for Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
First things first, let’s get that oven humming at 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a big skillet and toss in your pound of ground beef with that chopped onion. Cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go, until the beef is all nicely browned and the onion is soft and a little see-through. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy casserole! It helps keep the flavors nice and clean, similar to how we drain fat after cooking up chicken for something like a garlic butter chicken skillet.
Combining the Flavor Base for Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Now, toss that minced garlic into the skillet with the beef and onions. Give it a quick stir for about a minute until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma – careful not to burn it! Then, pour in both cans of condensed soup – the tomato and the cheddar cheese kind – along with the milk. Stir it all up really well, add your salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. It should start thickening up beautifully, sort of like how a sauce comes together perfectly for creamy pasta dishes.
Adding the Final Touches to Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
This is where the magic really happens! Gently stir in your crumbled, crispy bacon – yes, all of it! Then, add that shredded cheddar cheese and your cooked pasta. Give it one last good stir so everything is coated and looks super inviting. Pour this glorious mixture into your 9×13 inch baking dish. It should fill it up nicely! Think of it as layering ingredients, much like you would for a lovely pasta bake.
Baking and Resting Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly around the edges and that cheese all melty and golden. Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for just 5 minutes before you dive in. This short rest helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! It’s a little bit like letting a rich pasta dish rest before serving, ensuring all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Okay, so making this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can really make it shine. It’s all about those little touches that elevate it from good to absolutely amazing! Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Crispy Topping Ideas for Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Want that extra crunch? My Grandma always said a good casserole needed a little something on top! You can totally sprinkle some breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers, like Ritz or saltines, over the top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. It gives it a fantastic texture. Just watch it so it doesn’t burn! It’s a fun little trick, kind of like how using the right salt, like kosher salt, can make all the difference in flavor.
Adding Extra Vegetables to Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
If you’re looking to sneak in a few more veggies, this is the recipe to do it! You can totally stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas right along with the bacon and cheese. They add a nice little pop of color and flavor, kind of like adding broccoli to a sautéed mushroom dish or some feta to a beet salad. It just adds a little something extra without taking away from that classic cheeseburger vibe.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is so hearty and flavorful on its own, but it also plays *so* nicely with a few simple sides. A crisp, fresh salad is always a winner; I love a simple vinaigrette or something like a refreshing watermelon and feta salad. If you want something a little more substantial but still light, some crusty bread for dipping into any leftover cheesy goodness is divine, or even something like fancy tomato toast wouldn’t go amiss!
Storage and Reheating Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop a portion in the microwave for a quick warm-up, but for the best results and to keep it from drying out, I love to cover it with foil and reheat it in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) until it’s all warm and lovely again. A little splash of milk or water before reheating can help if it seems a tad dry!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Got questions about this cheesy, bacon-y goodness? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
Oh, definitely! This is one of those dishes that’s perfect for prepping ahead. You can easily assemble the whole casserole (up to the baking step!), cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time since it will be starting out cold. It’s a lifesaver for busy schedules!
What kind of pasta works best in this casserole?
Honestly, most small pasta shapes work like a charm here! Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, rotini, or even ditalini work great. You just want something that can hold onto that delicious sauce. Make sure you cook it just to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven!
Can I use different kinds of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to mix it up. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a touch of pepper jack for a little kick would be delicious. You can also use a pre-shredded “Mexican blend” or “cheddar blend” if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure you’re using about 2 cups total, and it’ll be perfect!
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Well, it’s definitely a rich and comforting meal, packed with protein from the beef and bacon, plus plenty of cheese! It’s more of an indulgent, hearty dinner than a super-light option, fitting perfectly into a delicious dinner category. If you want to make it a bit lighter, you could always use leaner ground beef, reduce the bacon slightly, or add in more veggies. You can check out some of our diet-focused recipes for lighter alternatives, but this one is pure comfort food!
Nutritional Information for Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info I’ve got here is for one serving, and it’s just an estimate, of course! Things can change a bit depending on exactly what you use, like the fat content of your ground beef or the brand of soup. It’s always good to remember that when you’re tracking, but it gives you a great idea of what’s in each yummy bite. For a more specific breakdown, I sometimes look at recipes that focus on that kind of detail, like healthy Mounjaro recipes, to get a better understanding of what works.
Share Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Creations!
I absolutely LOVE hearing from you! Did you try this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole? How did it turn out? Drop a comment below, let me know if you tweaked it, or what your family thought! You can also share your amazing creations by tagging me on social media. Finding this recipe useful? Please consider rating it! If you have any questions or want to share your cooking adventures, feel free to reach out via my contact page!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple casserole that combines the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the condensed tomato soup, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked pasta.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- You can add other vegetables like corn or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole