Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Sizzling BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Burger Lovers

Nestled between comfort and indulgence, this bbq bacon cheeseburger casserole promises a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

Layers of savory beef blend seamlessly with crispy bacon and melted cheese.

Smoky barbecue sauce adds a tangy kick that elevates every single bite.

We know weeknight dinners can feel monotonous, so this recipe brings excitement to your table.

Hearty ingredients create a one-pan wonder that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Simple to assemble and quick to bake, this dish feels like a warm culinary hug.

Prepare to become the dinner hero in your household.

What You’ll Need For BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

For the Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat base that provides substantial protein for the casserole.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element that enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help hold the casserole together and create a smooth consistency.
For the Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp and melty topping that adds richness and depth to the casserole.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious sauce that helps moisten the entire dish.
  • Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the cream mixture.
For the Base and Seasonings:
  • Hamburger Buns: Serve as a rustic and textured foundation for the casserole.
  • BBQ Sauce: Delivers a sweet and tangy flavor profile that defines the dish's character.
  • Ketchup, Mustard: Complement the BBQ sauce and add additional layers of flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning and provide depth to the casserole.

How To Cook BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Crisp The Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels and crumble into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Use the same skillet to brown ground beef, cooking until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat completely.

Step 4: Create Bun Base

Rip hamburger buns into rustic, uneven chunks, creating a deliciously textured foundation for the casserole.

Step 5: Mix Flavor Explosion Sauce

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • BBQ sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper

Step 6: Blend Creamy Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Eggs
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 7: Layer Bun Foundation

Spread torn bun pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Add Meaty Layer

Spread browned ground beef over the bun layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Sprinkle Bacon Bits

Distribute crumbled bacon across the beef layer for a smoky crunch.

Step 10: Pour Flavor Sauce

Drizzle the seasoned sauce mixture evenly over meat and bacon.

Step 11: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the entire surface.

Step 12: Add Creamy Finish

Pour the cream mixture over the cheese to bind everything together.

Step 13: Bake To Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.

Step 14: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and casserole to set before serving.

Tips To Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Stand Out

  • Boost Bacon Flavor: Opt for thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and richer taste in every bite.
  • Prevent Soggy Base: Toast bun chunks briefly before layering to maintain a crunchy texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Reduce Greasiness: Drain ground beef thoroughly and pat bacon with paper towels to minimize excess oil in the casserole.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream or almond milk for lactose-sensitive diners.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a kick of heat.

Fun Ways To Switch Up BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace hamburger buns with riced cauliflower, creating a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, offering a meat-free alternative that keeps the casserole's hearty texture and spicy essence.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap BBQ sauce for chipotle sauce, and incorporate pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired rendition with extra heat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional hamburger buns, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising taste or texture.

Perfect Pairings For BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

  • Pair Zesty Citrus Craft Beer: Complement the rich, smoky flavors of the bacon cheeseburger casserole with a bright, citrusy craft beer like an IPA or wheat ale that cuts through the dish's heaviness.
  • Serve Crisp Coleslaw Side: Balance the casserole's richness with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw that provides refreshing contrast and adds a light, acidic element to the meal.
  • Match Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, whose robust fruit notes and slight spiciness enhance the BBQ sauce and meaty flavors in the casserole.

How To Store BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Easily

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole FAQ Roundup

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this casserole because it combines familiar flavors like ground beef, bacon, and cheese in an easy-to-eat format that’s not too spicy or complicated.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version, maintaining similar cooking techniques and flavors.

  • How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?

Use fresh hamburger buns, don’t overcook the meat, and ensure you’re adding enough sauce and cream mixture to keep the dish moist and flavorful during baking.

Why BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Is So Satisfying

  • Tackle Comfort Food: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings together classic burger flavors in a delightful casserole format.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: Streamline cooking with a one-dish wonder that combines multiple ingredients into a single, satisfying meal perfect for busy families.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Pack irresistible flavors of bacon, beef, and cheese into a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding personal touches to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory BBQ bacon cheeseburger casserole delivers comfort food magic in one irresistible dish. Hearty layers of ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 lb bacon
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet, brown ground beef until no pink remains, draining excess fat completely.
  4. Tear hamburger buns into rustic, bite-sized chunks, creating a textured base for the casserole.
  5. Whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a robust flavor profile.
  6. In a separate bowl, blend eggs, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth and well-incorporated.
  7. Layer the torn bun pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Spread the browned ground beef over the bun layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
  9. Distribute crumbled bacon across the beef layer for smoky, crispy texture.
  10. Pour the seasoned sauce mixture evenly over the meat and bacon.
  11. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the entire surface.
  12. Drizzle the cream mixture over the cheese to bind all ingredients together.
  13. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
  14. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this indulgent dish.
  • Swap traditional hamburger buns with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Experiment with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter protein option that maintains smoky flavor.
  • Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to introduce a spicy kick for heat-loving diners.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 731
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 1020 mg
  • Fat: 54 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 215 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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