Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
If you could take everything you love about a juicy, cheesy bacon cheeseburger and turn it into a warm, hearty, oven-baked comfort food — this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole would be it. Loaded with layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and tender pasta, it’s a weeknight dinner hero that brings all the flavors of a classic burger — without the grill!
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this easy casserole delivers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and meaty goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults can’t get enough of this cheesy pasta bake.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the toppings or mix-ins to fit your favorite burger style.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day — the flavors meld beautifully.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prep ahead and freeze for a quick dinner on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy — just the classics that make burgers irresistible, combined in a creamy pasta base.
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 85/15 works best)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Pickle slices or diced pickles (for garnish, optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta just to al dente, about 1 minute less than the package suggests. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon fat for the next step.
Step 3 – Brown the Beef
In the same skillet with a bit of bacon fat, cook the diced onion over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and garlic, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
Step 4 – Create the Cheeseburger Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the beef evenly. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5 – Combine and Layer
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and half the crumbled bacon. Stir gently until combined. Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 6 – Add Cheese and Bacon
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon. You can sprinkle a few diced pickles or drizzle a bit more ketchup and mustard on top for added flavor.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve with a side salad, pickles, or garlic bread for a full meal.
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook bacon until crisp, crumble, and set aside.
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain grease.
- Stir in cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, milk, and cheddar until creamy.
- Mix cooked pasta, beef mixture, and half the bacon. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until bubbly.
- Garnish with pickles or parsley before serving.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use quality cheese. Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking.
- Make it spicy. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a little kick.
- Add crunch. Top with crushed potato chips or fried onions before baking for a crispy finish.
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the pasta and use cauliflower florets instead for a keto-friendly twist.
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Double Bacon Style: Stir half of the bacon into the sauce and sprinkle the rest on top before baking.
- Taco Cheeseburger Casserole: Add taco seasoning to the beef and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Loaded Pickle Casserole: Add diced pickles to the filling for that signature burger tang.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- Crisp dill pickles for acidity and crunch.
- Simple green salad or coleslaw for freshness.
- Garlic bread or brioche rolls to mop up the cheesy sauce.
- Sweet potato fries or oven-baked wedges for a diner-inspired meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F until hot throughout.
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead — just cover and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, bake as directed (add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time).
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
Approximate values: 450 calories | 28g fat | 25g carbohydrates | 26g protein
Why This Recipe Works
The secret lies in the balance of textures: crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta all baked together to capture that rich, “fresh-off-the-grill” cheeseburger flavor. The combination of ketchup and mustard in the sauce mimics the nostalgic burger experience, while cream cheese keeps everything luscious and smooth.
It’s everything you love about comfort food — bold, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy — all baked into one pan.
