Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
An incredibly easy and comforting casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, savory bacon, melty cheeses, and classic burger condiments for a family-favorite weeknight dinner. It's a hearty, satisfying bake that brings all the irresistible flavors of a cheeseburger into one convenient dish.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9x13 inch Casserole Dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
Group 1: Main Ingredients
- 1.5 - 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 lean recommended
- 8-10 slices bacon diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp or mild
- 1 cup shredded other cheeses optional, e.g., Monterey Jack, mozzarella
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise optional, for creaminess
- 1/2 cup milk any type, whole milk for richness
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Group 2: Optional Binder
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs for a more cohesive texture
Group 3: Optional Toppings (for serving)
- Diced pickles
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon bits and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the same skillet. Break it up and cook over medium-high heat until fully browned and no longer pink (7-10 minutes).
- Drain Excess Grease: Carefully drain off any excess grease from the browned ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: Return the drained ground beef to the skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. If using, whisk in the mayonnaise.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onion mixture with the crispy bacon bits (reserving some for topping, if desired), 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard. If using, fold in the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour Creamy Base: Slowly and evenly pour the egg and milk mixture over the beef mixture in the casserole dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of shredded cheese (and any optional cheeses) evenly over the top. If reserved, sprinkle remaining bacon bits on top.
- Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through and slightly golden-brown.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with optional toppings like diced pickles, tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.
Notes
Crispy Bacon Tip: For extra crispy bacon, ensure it's cooked thoroughly and drained well on paper towels.
Preventing Greasy Casserole: Thoroughly draining the ground beef after browning is key to preventing a greasy texture.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavor and melt.
Keto/Low-Carb Adaptation: Omit crackers/breadcrumbs. Use sugar-free ketchup and mustard. Consider adding cauliflower rice or finely diced mushrooms for bulk.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For a whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, uncovering for the last 5-10 minutes if desired.
Make-Ahead: The ground beef and bacon mixture can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days in advance.
Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through and slightly golden-brown.
Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with optional toppings like diced pickles, tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.
Preventing Greasy Casserole: Thoroughly draining the ground beef after browning is key to preventing a greasy texture.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavor and melt.
Keto/Low-Carb Adaptation: Omit crackers/breadcrumbs. Use sugar-free ketchup and mustard. Consider adding cauliflower rice or finely diced mushrooms for bulk.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For a whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, uncovering for the last 5-10 minutes if desired.
Make-Ahead: The ground beef and bacon mixture can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days in advance.
Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through and slightly golden-brown.
Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with optional toppings like diced pickles, tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.