What if you could combine all the flavors of a BBQ bacon cheeseburger into one warm, cheesy, and hearty dish? This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole does just that! Packed with juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, gooey cheddar cheese, and pasta, it’s everything you love about a cheeseburger in the form of a baked casserole.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this dish is quick to prepare and delivers big on flavor. It’s family-friendly, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Be sure to hit that follow button for more recipes like this, and thanks to ChefManiac for inspiring easy-to-make comfort food ideas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a fun, hearty twist on a classic BBQ bacon cheeseburger. The ground beef is browned with onions to create a savory base, while the bacon adds smokiness and crunch. Sweet BBQ sauce brings a tangy depth, while the cheddar cheese melts to gooey perfection on top. Adding pasta makes this dish filling and satisfying, turning a backyard burger experience into a comforting casserole.
Best of all, it’s a one-dish wonder! Simply toss everything together, bake, and enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you’re craving all those smoky, cheesy flavors in an easy-to-make form.
The Story of Casseroles
Casseroles became a staple in American kitchens in the mid-20th century, loved for their convenience and ability to feed a crowd. This recipe takes that nostalgic concept and gives it a modern twist by infusing it with the bold flavors of a BBQ bacon cheeseburger. It’s the perfect blend of old-school comfort and contemporary flavors!
How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef 🥩
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped 🥓
- 1 cup BBQ sauce 🍯
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 cup cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini works great!) 🍝
- ½ cup diced onions 🧅
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. - Cook the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. - Mix the Filling:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the BBQ sauce, cooked bacon, and cooked pasta. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sweet and tangy sauce. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. - Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out hearty portions and enjoy the smoky, cheesy, BBQ goodness!
Tips and Variations
- Pasta Options: Use your favorite pasta shape—elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or shells all work wonderfully in this dish.
- Cheese Substitutions: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even smoked gouda for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen corn to add a pop of color and texture.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle hot sauce over the casserole before baking for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the pasta with steamed cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly twist.
What to Serve with BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
While this casserole is a meal on its own, you can pair it with these sides to round out your dinner:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
- Roasted Veggies: Simple roasted broccoli or green beans make a great light side dish.
- Pickles: Keep the cheeseburger theme going by serving with dill pickles or pickled onions on the side for a tangy bite.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s cheesy, smoky, and hearty, with flavors that will remind you of your favorite cheeseburger but in a fun, easy-to-make casserole form. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? Let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and follow me for more delicious ideas!
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta (elbow or shell)
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, cooked pasta, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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