Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Description:
This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a hearty, cheesy, low-carb (or optionally pasta-filled) baked dish. Juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce come together for a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or eal prep.
Prep and Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15)
1/2 lb (225g) bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for topping)
1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp ketchup (or sugar-free ketchup for low-carb)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
2 cups cooked pasta (optional – elbow macaroni or penne), or cauliflower for low-carb
Optional Garnishes:
Pickles
Diced tomatoes
Extra bacon bits
Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook until browned and crumbled (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, mustard, and ketchup until well combined.
Mix in half the cooked bacon and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
If using pasta or cauliflower, mix it into the beef mixture.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and bacon.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Top with pickles or chopped parsley if desired.
️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Without Pasta):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~520 kcal
Protein 29g
Fat 43g
Carbohydrates 5g
Fiber 0.5g
Sugar 2g
Net Carbs ~4.5g
With pasta (1/3 cup cooked per serving): Add ~100 calories and ~15g carbs per serving.
Q&A:
Q1: Can I make this keto-friendly?
Yes! Skip the pasta and use cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead. Also, opt for sugar-free ketchup.
Q2: Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Q3: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q4: What cheese works best?
Cheddar gives it the classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for variation.
Q5: How do I make it spicy?
Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or swap in pepper jack cheese.