🔥 BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
📌 Servings: 6-8 | ⏳ Prep Time: 15 min | ⏳ Cook Time: 20 min | ⏳ Total Time: 35 min
🥄 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy & crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced pickles (optional, for a tangy kick)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
✔ Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
✔ In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
✔ Drain excess grease and stir in the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
✔ Add BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
✔ Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine Ingredients
✔ In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), and half of the cheddar cheese.
✔ Add pickles if using for extra tang.
5️⃣ Assemble & Bake
✔ Pour into the prepared baking dish.
✔ Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon on top.
✔ Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted & bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
✔ Garnish with extra pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
✔ Serve hot with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
🔥 Tips & Variations
✔ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or French-fried onions before baking.
✔ Make It a Bacon Lover’s Dream – Use double the bacon for an extra smoky taste.
✔ Storage & Reheating – This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🥗 Pair with: A crisp side salad or roasted veggies.
🍞 Best with: Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls.
🥤 Drink Pairing: A classic root beer or an ice-cold lemonade!
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect balance of cheesy, smoky, and tangy flavors—a dish that will disappear fast at any gathering!
🔥 What’s your favorite way to customize a cheeseburger casserole? Let me know! 🍔💬
