Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Juicy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Craving a hearty bacon cheeseburger casserole that combines classic diner flavors with comforting home cooking?

Layers of savory ground beef create a mouthwatering base for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese bring serious restaurant-style excitement to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, gooey texture that binds every delicious bite together.

Comfort food champions know this casserole turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will devour.

Come hungry and leave happy – this dish promises to be your new family favorite.

FAQs

  • Why use Montreal steak seasoning?

Montreal steak seasoning adds robust, savory flavor with a blend of garlic, pepper, and herbs that enhances the ground beef’s taste profile without overwhelming the dish.

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef, but they might result in a slightly less rich flavor and may require adjusting moisture content.

  • How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?

Cook bacon in a single layer in the skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, and remove when it reaches a golden-brown, crisp texture. Pat with paper towels to remove excess grease.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Savory and Loaded With Flavor

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Pack all the classic bacon cheeseburger flavors into one delightful casserole that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master.
  • Family Dinner Champion: Create a hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to all ages, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings where everyone craves something delicious and filling.
  • Minimal Cleanup Hero: Prepare a one-pan wonder that reduces kitchen mess and simplifies post-meal cleanup, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main foundation of the casserole.
  • Bacon: A crispy and savory ingredient that adds rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Montreal Steak Seasoning: A robust blend of spices that provides depth and complexity to the ground beef.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray: A non-stick agent that ensures easy removal of the casserole from the baking dish.
  • Paper Towels: Used for draining excess grease from the cooked bacon.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a generous spray of cooking oil to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Crispy Bacon

Grab a large skillet and heat it up. Toss in the bacon and cook until it reaches that perfect crunch.

Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Use the same skillet with bacon drippings to cook the ground beef.

Break it up while cooking until it’s fully browned. Drain any extra fat, then sprinkle Montreal steak seasoning all over the meat for an extra flavor kick.

Step 4: Create Bacon Beef Mixture

Crumble the crispy bacon and mix it into the seasoned ground beef. Spread this delicious combo evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks golden and the edges are bubbling with goodness.

Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.

Pro Tips to Elevate Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Baking

  • Crumble bacon finely for even distribution and maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor profile that complements the bacon and beef.
  • Consider adding diced pickles or a splash of mustard for extra classic cheeseburger taste.
  • For a low-carb version, replace bread cubes with cauliflower rice or omit bread entirely and increase cheese quantity.

Fun Variations to Switch Up Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Protein-Packed Plant Alternative: Replace ground beef with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version that maintains high protein content and similar texture.
  • Low-Carb Keto Spin: Swap pasta or bread-based elements with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
  • Spicy Mexican Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap Montreal steak seasoning for taco seasoning, and add pepper jack cheese to create a southwestern-inspired casserole with additional heat and zesty undertones.
  • Lean Protein Edition: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reducing fat content while maintaining substantial protein levels and keeping the core recipe structure intact.

Pairings That Work Well With Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Cut through the richness with a tangy, fresh coleslaw featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zesty vinegar-based dressing that provides a cool, crunchy contrast.
  • Complement the hearty casserole with a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the intense meaty flavors, enhancing the meal's savory profile with its malty undertones.
  • Add a bright, acidic pickle salad or classic dill pickle spears to cut through the casserole's richness, providing a sharp, refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Smart Storage to Keep Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Fresh

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole away from raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty bacon cheeseburger casserole brings classic diner flavors into a comforting home-cooked meal. Ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese combine in a satisfying dinner that delivers familiar burger tastes you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (454 g) bacon (precisely chopped into 1/2 inch segments)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) finely shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 4 large eggs (thoroughly beaten)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) dill pickle relish
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) granular sweetener
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) finely minced white onion
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and generously coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
  2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Using the same skillet with residual bacon drippings, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain any accumulated grease and season thoroughly with Montreal steak seasoning, ensuring even flavor distribution.
  4. Combine crumbled bacon, seasoned ground beef, and remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold components together until uniformly mixed.
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become slightly crispy.
  6. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to settle. Slice into portions and serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and robust flavor that will elevate the casserole’s overall taste profile.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a lighter and less oily final dish.
  • Replace traditional bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to make the recipe keto-friendly and reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to customize the flavor complexity and add personal flair to the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 551 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 46 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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