When I want a meal that feels like backyard cookout comfort but without firing up the grill, I turn to this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. It’s got all the flavors of a juicy, smoky cheeseburger — ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce — mixed with tender pasta and baked until bubbly and golden. Inspired by Chef Maniac, this recipe has become one of my favorite ways to feed a hungry crowd or make weeknight dinners feel a little more indulgent.
Why This Recipe Works
I’ve made plenty of casseroles, but this one always disappears fast, and here’s why:
- All the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger — Smoky bacon, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce come together perfectly.
- Creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite — Thanks to heavy cream and melty cheese, the pasta is coated in rich flavor.
- Quick and easy to prep — You can have this in the oven in under 20 minutes.
- Crispy fried onions on top — The optional finishing touch that adds irresistible crunch and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt & black pepper
- ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. I make sure to drain off any excess grease for a clean, flavorful base.
3. Build the Sauce
Into the skillet, I stir in:
- BBQ sauce
- Heavy cream
- Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
I let everything simmer for a couple of minutes, then fold in the cooked pasta until it’s fully coated in the smoky, creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole
I pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
I bake the casserole for 15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Add Crunch and Serve
Right before serving, I top the casserole with crispy fried onions for extra crunch and flavor. Then, I serve it hot and cheesy — and watch it disappear.
Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra texture and smoky flavor.
- Add a kick by mixing some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture.
- Go for freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Make it ahead — You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What to Serve With This Casserole
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but if I’m feeding a crowd or want to round out the meal, I like to pair it with:
- A fresh green salad with ranch or vinaigrette for balance.
- Cornbread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for something light and fresh.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Q: Can this casserole be frozen?
A: Definitely. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A: I love using a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce, but spicy or tangy sauces also work great — it all depends on your flavor preference.
Why This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Belongs on Your Dinner Table
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the definition of comfort food — it’s cheesy, smoky, creamy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd at a potluck, or just craving something warm and indulgent, this casserole delivers. It’s quick, easy, and full of those classic cookout flavors we all love — with minimal effort and maximum reward.
For more bold, comforting recipes, check out Chef Maniac. And if you try this casserole, I’d love to know — do you add your own twist, or keep it classic? Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 oz pasta (elbow or penne)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the BBQ sauce, cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
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