Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a delicious and hearty meal can be quite a challenge. With busy schedules and the demands of everyday life, many families are on the lookout for meals that are not only quick to make but also satisfying and enjoyable for everyone at the table. Enter the Bacon Bliss Cheeseburger Casserole, a dish that combines the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-pan casserole. This comforting recipe brings together layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, resulting in a hearty meal that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Bacon Bliss Cheeseburger Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this one-pan dish features layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, making it a family favorite. Learn how to create this mouthwatering casserole with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-make, hearty meal that everyone will adore!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color of your choice)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup beef broth

2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: chopped green onions and dill pickles for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook until the bacon is crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, keeping the bacon grease in the skillet.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the leftover bacon grease, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Brown the Ground Beef: Add in the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook the beef until it's browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being too greasy.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Incorporate Cheeses and Bacon: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crispy bacon into the mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

Top with Cheeses and Remaining Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, followed by the mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the crispy bacon over the top for a delicious cheesy layer.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and a lovely golden color on top.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with chopped green onions and dill pickles if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish, or portion out onto individual plates. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side salad can enhance the plate's appeal!