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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 129 reviews

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic cheeseburger, combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, smoky BBQ sauce, and cheesy pasta baked to perfection. It’s a comforting dish ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy

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

Pasta

  • 1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 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. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Drain Bacon Grease: 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. Sauté Onion and Garlic: 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. Brown Ground Beef: 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. Combine Bacon and BBQ Sauce: 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. Cook Pasta: 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. Mix Pasta with Dairy: Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot. Add the sour cream and milk, stirring until well combined.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Combine Casserole Mixture: 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. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  11. Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  12. Optional BBQ Drizzle: Optionally, drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce over the cheese for extra flavor.
  13. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  14. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  15. Rest Casserole: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.
  16. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.
  17. Serve: Scoop out portions and serve warm, pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread.
  18. Enjoy: Enjoy your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole with family and friends!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep the casserole from becoming mushy.
  • Baking covered helps retain moisture, and finishing uncovered creates a nice golden cheese crust.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: BBQ bacon cheeseburger casserole, baked cheeseburger pasta, bacon cheeseburger bake, comfort food casserole, BBQ ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/