Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Comfort food reaches new heights with a dish that combines two all-time favorites: bacon and cheeseburgers. The Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole takes the flavors of a classic burger—juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a hint of tangy ketchup and mustard—and transforms them into a hearty, baked casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.
Each bite offers the rich, savory flavor of a cheeseburger without the mess of buns and plates. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Whether served to kids, adults, or both, this casserole delivers the satisfaction of a burger with the cozy warmth of a baked dish. The creamy, cheesy layers combined with crunchy bacon and tender beef make it irresistible for anyone craving comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a clear table with all ingredients and approximate calorie counts per batch:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 960 kcal |
| Bacon, cooked and chopped | 6 slices | 250 kcal |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 10 kcal |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups | 880 kcal |
| Cream cheese, softened | 4 oz | 400 kcal |
| Milk | ½ cup | 60 kcal |
| Eggs | 3 large | 210 kcal |
| Ketchup | ¼ cup | 60 kcal |
| Mustard | 1 tsp | 5 kcal |
| Pickles, diced (optional) | ¼ cup | 5 kcal |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Frozen hash browns or tater tots | 2 cups | 400 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. - Cook the bacon and beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into small pieces. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. - Prepare the cheese mixture
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, milk, eggs, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Assemble the casserole
Spread the frozen hash browns or tater tots in the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer the cooked beef mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle chopped bacon over the beef. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top and finish with shredded cheddar cheese. - Bake the casserole
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the casserole is set, cheese is melted, and the top is golden brown. - Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Optionally, garnish with diced pickles or fresh herbs.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Swap the cheese: Pepper jack or Colby cheese adds a different flavor profile.
- Low-carb option: Replace hash browns with cauliflower rice or omit completely.
- Extra toppings: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions complement the beef.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate, 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~460 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole pairs perfectly with fresh salad greens, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw to balance the richness. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of pickles. It also works well as a buffet or potluck dish, and leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
8
servings15
minutes35
minutes460
kcalIngredients
1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup milk
3 large eggs
¼ cup ketchup
1 tsp mustard
¼ cup diced pickles (optional)
2 cups frozen hash browns or tater tots
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook bacon and beef: Cook bacon until crispy, chop, and set aside. In the same skillet, cook ground beef with diced onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, milk, eggs, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Spread hash browns or tater tots in the bottom of the dish. Layer the cooked beef mixture on top, sprinkle with chopped bacon, pour the cream cheese mixture evenly, and top with shredded cheddar.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until casserole is set and cheese is golden.
- Serve: Let cool a few minutes before slicing. Optionally, garnish with diced pickles or fresh herbs.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a flavorful kick.
Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter, lower-fat version.
FAQs
1. What is Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a baked dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, ketchup, mustard, and optional pickles—layered with hash browns or tater tots and baked into a hearty casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for a convenient, make-ahead meal.
3. Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Absolutely. Swap hash browns or tater tots for cauliflower rice or omit them entirely. You can also use lower-fat cheese or skip the cream cheese for a lighter version.
4. Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?
Yes. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
5. What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw to balance the richness. Garlic bread or pickles are also great sides for a classic cheeseburger feel.
Conclusion
The Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole elevates classic comfort food into a hearty, baked dish that’s ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or casual weeknight indulgence. With layers of juicy beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and golden potatoes, this casserole captures the essence of a cheeseburger in every bite. Easy to customize, satisfying to serve, and incredibly flavorful, it’s a dish that both kids and adults will love—and one that will likely become a household favorite.
