BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Beef

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: In the same skillet (using the bacon grease for extra flavor), cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the BBQ Cheeseburger Flavor

  1. Add the Tomatoes and Condiments: Stir in the diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  2. Add the Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Combine Beef and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir in the sour cream and mayonnaise for added creaminess.
  2. Add the Cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar and all of the mozzarella, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
  3. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  3. Bake: Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Add Toppings: Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Add crispy fried onions for crunch, chopped parsley for freshness, or more crumbled bacon if you’re feeling indulgent.
  2. Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Spoon out generous portions and enjoy the BBQ bacon cheeseburger goodness!

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or even roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with classic burger toppings like pickles and a dollop of extra BBQ sauce or ketchup on the side.

Tips for Success

  • Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
  • Change Up the Cheese: You can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor.
  • Use Leftover Bacon: If you’ve got leftover cooked bacon, this is the perfect dish to use it in!
  • Pasta Options: Feel free to use gluten-free pasta or even whole-wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is loaded with bold flavors that will remind you of summer barbecues but in the cozy form of a casserole. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, gooey melted cheese, and hearty ground beef makes this a dish everyone will crave. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

This dish is comfort food at its finest, offering a unique twist on the classic bacon cheeseburger that will have your guests asking for seconds!

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