BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger that brings comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a rich BBQ sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also evokes memories of summer barbecues and family gatherings, making it a beloved favorite in many households.
Originating from the heart of American cuisine, casseroles have long been a staple for their convenience and heartiness. The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole combines the best elements of a backyard cookout with the ease of a one-dish meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. People adore this dish for its incredible flavor, satisfying texture, and the way it brings everyone together around the dinner table. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a new family favorite!
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)
Preparing the Meat Mixture
First things first, let’s get our meat mixture ready. This is where the flavor starts to build!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is cooked, return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking the Pasta
While the meat mixture is simmering, let’s get our pasta cooked. This step is super easy!
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. You can drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking if you like.
Combining Ingredients
Now that we have our meat mixture and pasta ready, it’s time to combine everything into a delicious casserole!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, meat mixture, sour cream, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Next, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. This will add a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the casserole dish.
Assembling the Casserole
Let’s get everything layered up in the casserole dish!
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
- Pour the macaroni and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This will create a delicious cheesy crust on top!
Baking the Casserole
Now it’s time to bake our casserole to perfection!
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it set a little and make serving easier.
Garnishing and Serving
We’re almost there! Let’s add some finishing touches before serving.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- 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)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir in BBQ sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the macaroni and set aside. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, meat mixture, sour cream, and milk. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Pour the macaroni and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh touch.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
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 customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swapping out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this delicious dish together! Print
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
Description
Enjoy a delicious BBQ Beef and Bacon Macaroni Casserole, featuring a savory mix of ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy cheeses, all baked to perfection. This comforting dish is ideal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
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