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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
