Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

If you’re craving the juicy, cheesy flavor of a bacon cheeseburger but want the comfort of a baked meal, this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is your dream come true. Imagine everything you love about a classic burger — seasoned beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a hint of creamy sauce — layered with tender pasta and baked to golden perfection.

This hearty dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner: easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor. It’s also great for meal prep, potlucks, or any time you want to serve up something cozy and comforting.

Let’s dive into this all-American comfort classic made simple in casserole form.

🧀 Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20)
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Reserve about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.

3. Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and diced onions to the same skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.

4. Season and Sauce It Up
Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add ketchup, mustard, cream cheese, and milk. Mix well until everything combines into a creamy, flavorful sauce.

5. Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add cooked pasta, half the cheddar, and half the mozzarella to the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon.

7. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

8. Serve & Enjoy!
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

🍔 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food at its best: Classic cheeseburger flavors in a creamy, cheesy bake.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this one!
• Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
• Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings or adjust the sauce to your liking.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

A hearty, cheesy, and comforting casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with tender pasta and a creamy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz elbow macaroni cooked and drained
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 yellow onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp cream cheese softened
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Colander

Method

 

1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Cook bacon until crispy, crumble, and reserve a tablespoon of grease in skillet.
3. Add ground beef and onion to skillet, cook until browned, drain excess fat.
4. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in ketchup, mustard, cream cheese, and milk.
5. Add pasta and half the cheese to the beef mixture and stir well.
6. Transfer to greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
8. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

For a BBQ twist, replace ketchup with barbecue sauce. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

🥓 Tips for the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded.
2. Try ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version.
3. Add veggies: Sneak in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
4. Top it your way: Add pickles, tomatoes, or shredded lettuce after baking for that “burger” finish.
5. Make it ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

🌶️ Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños.
• BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce for smoky-sweet flavor.
• Deluxe Version: Add a layer of caramelized onions and mushrooms before baking.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cooked cauliflower florets or zoodles for pasta.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty casserole with:

• Crisp green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Pickle spears
• Sweet potato fries or tater tots

And if you want to channel a full diner vibe, serve it with a milkshake or homemade lemonade for a fun, family-style dinner!

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in portions.

Pro tip: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

🍔 A Bite of Nostalgia

This casserole takes inspiration from the classic American diner cheeseburger, reinvented into a one-pan bake that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting dish that tastes like home.

Every bite delivers the irresistible combo of savory beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and that signature burger sauce flavor — all in a warm, creamy pasta base.

❤️ Why This Recipe Works

The balance of savory beef, tangy ketchup and mustard, and smoky bacon creates an irresistible umami-rich base. The cream cheese and milk add creaminess, while the pasta absorbs all the flavors beautifully.

It’s hearty without being heavy — the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your comfort food hall of fame.