bacon cheeseburger casserole

Ingredients

• The Meat & Bacon:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• The Pasta/Base: 8 oz elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini pasta (cooked al dente and drained)
• The Aromatics & Seasoning:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• The Cheeseburger Sauce:
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (gives it that classic burger tang)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard)
  • 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• For Topping: Diced dill pickles, chopped tomatoes, or shredded lettuce served on the side for that authentic burger experience!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook your pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon and Beef

1. In a large skillet or skillet-safe pan over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
2. Add the diced onion to the bacon grease and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Build the Cheeseburger Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir the ketchup, yellow mustard, and milk (or heavy cream) directly into the beef mixture until well combined and simmering gently.
2. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a rich, creamy, burger-style sauce.

4. Combine and Assemble

1. Add the cooked pasta and half of the crispy bacon directly into the skillet with the cheesy beef mixture, tossing gently until every noodle is coated in sauce.
2. Transfer the mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the crispy bacon all over the top of the casserole.

5. Bake Until Bubbly

1. Bake uncovered at 175°C (350°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
2. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it sets.

6. Serve Burger-Style

1. Serve hot in bowls or plates. Offer diced pickles, sliced tomatoes, or a drizzle of burger sauce on the side for everyone to customize their slice just like a real cheeseburger!

Pro-Tips for Success

• The Secret Burger Flavor: The combination of a touch of ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in the sauce base gives this casserole its unmistakable “cheeseburger” flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this entire casserole a few hours in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from cold to oven.