Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Indulge in the deliciousness of a classic bacon cheeseburger, all packed into one hearty casserole dish! This Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. With layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish will surely become a favorite among kids and adults alike. It's easy to prepare, and because it comes together in one pot, cleanup is a breeze! Enjoy the comforting flavors of a burger, reimagined, with pasta and tomato sauce for a filling, satisfying meal. Plus, leftovers (if any!) make for a quick and tasty lunch the next day!
8
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta
1 lb (uncooked (choose from rotini, rotelle, penne, small or medium shells, or elbow))
lean ground beef
2 lbs (browned)
bacon
1 lb (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
onion
1 small (finely chopped (or substitute 2 tablespoons minced dried onion))
condensed tomato soup
2 (10.5 ounce) cans (no preparation needed)
salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (for topping)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking your choice of pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
2
2. In a microwave or frying pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside to cool, then crumble into pieces.
3
3. In a large skillet or deep frying pan, brown the lean ground beef and finely chopped onion over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Tip: I recommend seasoning while the bacon cooks and pasta is boiling to save time.)
4
4. Once the beef is browned, carefully drain excess grease.
5
5. Add the crumbled bacon to the beef and onion mixture, stirring to combine.
6
6. Pour in the two cans of condensed tomato soup, stirring well, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
7
7. Gently fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated with the beef and sauce mixture.
8
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, simmering for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
9
9. Serve the casserole directly from the pan, enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this ultimate dish!
10
10. (For smaller families, consider halving the recipe, but be warned—you might wish you’d made a full batch for those delightful leftovers!)
Nutrition Information
16.25g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?
It is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with pasta and a savory tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings, making it ideal for large families or gatherings.
What type of pasta is best for this casserole?
You can use rotini, rotelle, penne, small or medium shells, or elbow macaroni.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, lean ground beef is specified, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is specifically described as being kid-approved and family-friendly.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include pasta, lean ground beef, bacon, onion, condensed tomato soup, and shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
How long does it take to melt the cheese on top?
Once the cheese is sprinkled on top, cover the skillet and simmer on low for about 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Most of the assembly happens in one skillet or frying pan, though the pasta is boiled separately first.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
Can I use dried onions instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of minced dried onion for one small fresh onion.
How should I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
Cook the bacon until crisp in a frying pan or microwave, let it cool, and then crumble it into pieces.
What size cans of tomato soup are required?
The recipe requires two 10.5-ounce cans of condensed tomato soup.
Should the pasta be rinsed after boiling?
Yes, the instructions recommend rinsing the cooked pasta under cool water after draining.
Can I halve the recipe for a smaller family?
Yes, the recipe can be halved, though keeping the full batch for leftovers is suggested.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 26 grams of protein.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 16.25 grams per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?
Be sure to carefully drain the excess grease from the skillet after browning the beef and onions.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
While not in the original recipe, you can easily add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms when browning the beef.
What is the best way to serve this casserole?
It can be served directly from the pan for a cozy, comforting meal.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen in a freezer-safe container; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through; add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
What does it mean to cook pasta al dente?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite rather than mushy.
Can I use a different type of soup besides tomato?
While tomato soup provides the classic flavor, some variations use cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup.
What can I substitute for extra-sharp cheddar?
You can use mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or a marble cheese blend if you prefer a milder taste.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients, including seasonings.
Can this recipe be baked in the oven instead?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely; it makes great leftovers that are quick and easy to reheat for lunches.