BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Here’s a mouthwatering BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole recipe!  Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd—this dish combines all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a rich, cheesy, and easy-to-make casserole! 

Serving Suggestions 

• Serve with a fresh green salad  or steamed veggies for balance.
• Add pickles or a drizzle of ranch dressing for that classic burger vibe. 

Storage Tips 

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike!
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour.
• Full of Flavor: BBQ sauce, bacon, cheese, and pasta—what’s not to love?!
• Make-Ahead: Perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

Optional Add-Ins 

• Add chopped pickles to the beef mixture for extra tang. 
• Mix in a little hot sauce for a spicy kick. 
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. 

Ingredients 

For the Base:

• 1 lb ground beef 
• 1 small onion, diced 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) 
• 1/4 cup ketchup 
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

For the Casserole Layer:

• 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or any short pasta 
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese 
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened 
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional for crunch) 
• Fresh parsley, for garnish 

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Instructions 

1. Cook the Bacon 
   • In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. Set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef 
   • In the same skillet, drain excess bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
   • Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add BBQ Flavor 
   • Mix in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and half of the crumbled bacon. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Pasta 
   • While the beef is cooking, boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Prepare the Cheese Sauce 
   • In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine milk, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until smooth.
   • Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Combine Everything 
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, BBQ beef mixture, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is coated and combined.
7. Assemble the Casserole 
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Pour the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
   • Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, the rest of the crumbled bacon, and crispy fried onions (if using).
8. Bake and Serve 
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.