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

Introduction

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger. With layers of smoky bacon, seasoned beef, creamy macaroni, and melted cheese, it’s an easy dish that satisfies any craving. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
5. Step 5: Drain any excess fat and stir in the crispy bacon and BBQ sauce. Mix well and set aside.
6. Step 6: While the meat mixture cools, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot. Stir in the sour cream and milk until well combined.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Step 9: In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture with the creamy macaroni. Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
10. Step 10: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11. Step 11: Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
12. Step 12: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Step 13: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
14. Step 14: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• Use smoked cheddar cheese for an extra smoky taste.
• Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Garnish with fresh green onions or chopped parsley to add freshness and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?

You can use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type to ensure it’s al dente.

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

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a flavorful and comforting twist on the classic cheeseburger. Loaded with crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it combines smoky, savory, and creamy elements for a crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is baked to bubbly, golden perfection, making it an irresistible all-in-one meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk

Pasta

• 1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni

Seasonings and Sauce

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish

• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Drain Bacon Grease: Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor in the next steps.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
5. Combine Meat Mixture: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the crispy bacon and BBQ sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. Cook Macaroni: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
7. Mix Pasta with Dairy: Return the drained macaroni to the pot and stir in the sour cream and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
9. Combine Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture with the creamy macaroni. Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
10. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
11. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
12. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to warm through.
13. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly, golden brown, and slightly crispy.
14. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• You can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking can add an extra texture contrast.
• Make sure to drain the bacon grease well to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ bacon cheeseburger casserole, cheesy casserole, BBQ casserole, bacon cheeseburger recipe, comfort food casserole