Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Craving the taste of a juicy cheeseburger but looking for an easier, family-friendly way to enjoy it? This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole takes all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a tangy sauce—and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying casserole. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make this dish step-by-step, get helpful cooking tips, explore fun variations, and have answers to common questions about making this decadent casserole. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have this on the table in under 40 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: This casserole skips the buns, making it perfect for those on keto or low-carb diets.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
• 1/2 cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A classic seasoning to enhance the flavor of the beef.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky kick that pairs beautifully with the bacon.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning to your preference.

Toppings

• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: For smoky, crispy goodness in every bite.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The sharpness of cheddar adds richness to the casserole.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy texture.

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess.
• 2 tbsp mustard: Provides a zesty, slightly acidic bite that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (8×8-inch works well) with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef into small crumbles, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
4. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
2. Set aside. This tangy sauce will be spread over the beef for that signature cheeseburger flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula or spoon.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the sauce layer.
4. Top with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
3. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes to set before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor (optional).
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crispy French fries for the full burger experience.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
2. Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess grease keeps the casserole from becoming too oily.
3. Add Pickles: For a classic cheeseburger twist, layer sliced dill pickles under the cheese.
4. Keep an Eye on the Cheese: Bake just until the cheese is bubbly and golden to avoid overcooking it.
5. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking so it’s easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with sides to round out the meal:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the casserole.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: For the full burger-inspired experience, serve with crispy fries on the side.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts balance the richness of the dish.
• Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch and tanginess.

Recipe Variations

1. Low-Carb/Keto Option: Keep the recipe as is or substitute the ketchup with a sugar-free version.
2. Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground beef and omit the bacon.
3. Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
4. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick of heat.
5. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Replace the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~450-500
• Protein: ~30g
• Fat: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~5-10g (depending on sauce ingredients)
• Fiber: ~1g

This dish is perfect for those on low-carb or keto diets due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the casserole has cooled completely before storing.

Reheating:

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• To reheat the entire casserole, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked or baked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat work well as substitutes for ground beef.

4. What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Cheddar and mozzarella are a great combo, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for variety.

5. How do I prevent the casserole from being greasy?

Drain the cooked beef thoroughly and use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to reduce grease.

6. Can I make this spicy?

Yes, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the beef or sauce for some heat.

7. What can I serve this with?

This casserole pairs well with classic burger sides like fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad.

8. Can I add a topping to the casserole?

Yes! Try sprinkling crushed crackers, fried onions, or breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.

9. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?

If you have pre-cooked ground beef on hand, simply reheat it with the onions and spices before layering it into the casserole.

10. Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free.

11. Can I add extra sauce?

Feel free to double the mayo-ketchup-mustard sauce if you like your casserole extra saucy.

12. Can I add pickles?

Yes! Layer sliced dill pickles on top of the beef mixture before adding the cheese for a tangy kick.

13. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon is a great lighter option that still adds plenty of flavor.

14. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden. If it’s not browning, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end.

15. How do I make this casserole creamier?

Mix a little cream cheese or sour cream into the beef mixture before layering it into the dish.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Customize it to suit your preferences, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled bite!

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