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 together the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese in a comforting, hearty dish. This casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that many of us grew up loving. The combination of ingredients pays homage to backyard barbecues and family gatherings, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.

People adore this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole for its incredible taste and texture. The savory ground beef melds perfectly with the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

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

Preparing the Meat Mixture

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 cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave 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 they become translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
6. Once the beef is browned, stir in the cooked bacon, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking the Pasta

1. While the meat mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of 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 macaroni and set aside. Do not rinse, as you want the starch to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

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 saucepan, 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, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture, cooked macaroni, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Top the casserole with any remaining shredded cheese if desired, for an extra cheesy topping.

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
2. Using a spatula, cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread.
3. Enjoy your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole with family and friends, and watch it disappear

   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 experiment with variations by adding your favorite toppings, such as jalapeños for a spicy kick or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. 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 promise it will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience—feel free to share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite! Print
   

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

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   • Author: sharey
   • Total Time: 65 minutes
   • Yield: 8 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Savor the deliciousness of BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, a comforting dish featuring ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty casserole combines classic flavors that everyone will adore!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

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

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   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
   3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
   4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
   5. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
   6. Stir in the cooked bacon, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
   7. While the meat mixture simmers, 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.
   8. Drain the macaroni and set aside (do not rinse).
   9. In a medium saucepan, combine the sour cream and milk over medium heat. Stir until well combined and heated through, but do not boil.
   10. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
   11. Season the cheese sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
   12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   13. In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture, cooked macaroni, and cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
   14. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   15. Top with any remaining shredded cheese if desired.
   16. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   17. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
   18. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
   19. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for garnish.
   20. Cut into squares and serve warm. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking.
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 45 minutes