BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
• After the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble or chop it into small pieces.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In the same skillet (with the bacon fat or using a little olive oil), cook the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked through.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens.

3. Add the Flavor:

• Stir in the BBQ sauce, drained diced tomatoes, corn (if using), and seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder). Let everything simmer together for about 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.

4. Combine the Pasta and Meat Mixture:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and BBQ mixture. Stir in the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour the pasta and meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheese (cheddar and mozzarella).

6. Bake:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

7. Serve:

• Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole:

• Customize the BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or tangy varieties. You can even experiment with adding a bit of hot sauce or mustard to give it a unique twist.
• Try Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for beef in this recipe.
• Add Veggies: You can sneak in more veggies, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, to add color and nutrition to the casserole.
• Make it Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole brings together everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, but in a comforting and easy-to-make casserole form. The smoky flavor of the bacon, the tangy BBQ sauce, and the gooey cheese combine for an irresistible dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a hearty weeknight meal.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a filling, flavorful meal that everyone will rave about. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts:

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the best parts of a cheeseburger into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or bringing it to a party, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a cheesy, bacon-filled, BBQ-packed meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!