One of my favorite go-to meals for family dinners is this delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. It’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles to the table and has a way of transporting me back to summer barbecues and lazy weekends spent with loved ones. There’s something incredibly comforting about the blend of crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese that makes this casserole an instant hit.
I remember the first time I made this dish was during a family reunion. We had a mix of adults and picky kids, so I needed a recipe that would appeal to everyone. This casserole did just the trick. The kids loved the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger, while the adults appreciated the hearty, comforting nature of the dish. Ever since that day, it has become a staple in my recipe collection.
What I love about this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand. For instance, you can swap the elbow macaroni for whole wheat pasta or even gluten-free options if you’re catering to dietary needs. Adding some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the beef can also give it an extra burst of flavor. For a spicy kick, try mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Another variation I enjoy is using different cheeses. While the recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella, you can experiment with pepper jack for a bit of heat or Swiss for a milder, nuttier taste. Each variation brings a unique twist to the dish, keeping it exciting even if you make it frequently.
This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with friends. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole as much as my family and I do!
How to Prepare Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
- 6 cooked bacon strips, chopped
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, can use less)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb ground lean beef
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz)
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
Directions
- Cook the bacon until it is crispy, either by baking it in the oven or frying it on the stovetop. Drain on paper towels, chop into pieces, and set aside.
- Boil the elbow pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet until fully cooked. If there is excess fat or liquid, drain some off, but keep a bit for flavor.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the browned beef. Pour in the beef broth mixture and stir well to combine. Add the chopped bacon.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce bubbles and thickens. If it becomes too thick, add more beef broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the mixture in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free as well.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of flour. Alternatively, a slurry made with arrowroot powder or potato starch can also be used to thicken the sauce.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Indeed, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the cheese. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop, then add the cheese and cook until it melts.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
To incorporate more vegetables, consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms when browning the ground beef. You can also mix in some spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
Can I freeze the Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 6 strips of bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, may use less
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup
- 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup
Instructions
- First, cook the bacon until crispy. You can bake it on a sheet pan in the oven or cook it on the stovetop. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- While the macaroni is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet until fully cooked. If there's excess fat or liquid, drain some of it off. Keeping a bit of the juice enhances the flavor.
- In a small bowl or measuring jug, combine the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch. Mix well to dissolve the cornstarch completely.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the browned beef. Pour in the beef stock mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Mix in the chopped bacon.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef stock to reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole mixture in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and cook on very low heat until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the casserole hot and enjoy!
