BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

ByJack Voss
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Introduction

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. It combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese with creamy macaroni and tangy BBQ sauce for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

A close-up view of a thick slice of baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground beef. The bottom layer is a rich, melted, creamy yellow cheese sauce covering soft macaroni pasta. Above that sits a dark brown, crumbly ground beef layer, followed by another thick layer of cheesy macaroni. The top layer is a slightly browned cheese crust with crispy, dark red-brown bacon pieces scattered on top. The dish is served on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. The melted cheese glistens with a glossy texture, and the bacon looks crunchy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 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 excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Step 3: 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 until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and pour in the BBQ sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Step 6: 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.
  7. Step 7: Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot. Add the sour cream and milk, stirring until well combined.
  8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Step 9: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy macaroni mixture with the meat and bacon mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
  10. Step 10: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  11. Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  12. Step 12: Optionally, drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce over the cheese for extra flavor.
  13. Step 13: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  14. Step 14: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  15. Step 15: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.
  16. Step 16: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.
  17. Step 17: Scoop out portions and serve warm, pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread.
  18. Step 18: Enjoy your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole with family and friends!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra smoky flavor, add a few dashes of liquid smoke to the beef mixture while cooking.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different twist on the cheese topping.
  • Mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the milk slightly or add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the macaroni mixture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a thick square slice of baked macaroni and cheese topped with crispy dark brown bacon pieces. The slice has three main layers: the bottom layer is baked elbow macaroni coated in creamy golden-yellow cheese sauce, the middle layer is a dark brown ground meat mixture, and the top layer is a rich melted yellow cheese bubbling around the bacon. The cheese is stretchy and shiny, with some browned spots from baking. The dish is served on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger. Combining savory ground beef, smoky bacon, gooey melted cheeses, and a rich BBQ sauce, all baked together with creamy elbow macaroni, it’s an easy-to-make family favorite perfect for dinner gatherings or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cheese and Dairy

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

Pantry Staples and Seasonings

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling (optional)
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook the 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. Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for additional flavor.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Cook the ground beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Combine meat and bacon with BBQ sauce. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and pour in the BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Cook macaroni. 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. Drain well.
  7. Make creamy macaroni base. Return the drained macaroni to the pot and stir in the sour cream and milk until evenly combined and creamy.
  8. Preheat oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  9. Mix casserole ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy macaroni mixture with the meat and bacon mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until everything is evenly distributed.
  10. Assemble casserole. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
  11. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. For extra BBQ flavor, optionally drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the cheese layer.
  12. Bake covered. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
  13. Bake uncovered. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  14. Rest the casserole. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
  15. Garnish. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top just before serving to add freshness and color.
  16. Serve and enjoy. Scoop out portions and serve warm with your favorite sides like a crisp salad or garlic bread. Enjoy this hearty BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole with family and friends!

Notes

  • For a milder BBQ flavor, adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to taste.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold together when sliced.
  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or rotini if preferred.
  • Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; just bake longer if baking cold.
  • For extra texture, add a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking uncovered.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ bacon cheeseburger casserole, baked macaroni and cheese with bacon, BBQ beef casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food

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