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If you’re craving all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy family dinner, this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s made with simple ingredients and on the table in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights (or any night of the week!).
This flavorful casserole recipe is one of my kids’ favorite meals because it combines two of their favorite foods – burgers and pasta. And it’s one of my faves because of how simple it is to throw together – most of the prep work can be done while the pasta cooks, and the rest comes together with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
If you’ve got picky eaters this recipe is easy to customize. Just switch out the noodles, cheese and mix-ins to make it to your family’s preferences, easy peasy.
This budget-friendly, hearty meal fills their bellies with very little effort. And it’s a great choice if you need to cook a meal for family or friends in need.
For more easy casseroles, be sure to check out my Baked Pizza Pasta Casserole and Walking Taco Casserole recipes.
Bacon Cheeseburger Bake Ingredients Needed
- Lean ground beef – I use a lean 90/10 blend to cut down on the grease and fat content.
- Bacon – Cooked, drained and crumbled.
- Onion, garlic, salt and black pepper – Basic seasonings that add savory flavor.
- Ketchup and yellow mustard – Common hamburger condiments.
- Cooked pasta – You can use rotini, elbow, or mini penne in this recipe.
- Cheddar cheese – Adds a creamy, melty texture and tangy flavor to the dish.
- Milk – I used 2%.
- Eggs – Act as a binding agent to hold everything together while baking.
- Optional add-ins: Diced pickles and tomatoes.
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Prepare the pasta and bacon while the hamburger cooks.
Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet and discard any grease. Add the seasonings and then continue cooking for a short time.
Combine the prepared pasta, cheese, bacon crumbles and ground beef mixture and stir.
Whisk the eggs and milk in a measuring cup, and then stir into the hamburger mixture.
If you’re using the optional pickles and tomatoes, now’s the time to stir them in with the rest of the ingredients.
Add to the casserole dish and then top with the reserved cheese. Bake and serve!
Tips for Making Bacon Cheeseburger Hot Dish
- Make sure you follow the cooking directions on the pasta package – you want to cook it just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- To reduce grease and avoid adding moisture, make sure you drain the bacon and ground beef well before adding to the other ingredients.
- I prefer to use a thicker-cut bacon in this recipe because it adds a great texture.
- If you’re worried about the thickness of the casserole once baked, let it cool some before serving. It thickens as it rests and will be easier to slice.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- Use ground chicken or turkey in place of the hamburger meat if preferred. You may want to increase the seasonings due to the milder flavor of these meats.
- Try other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or provolone in place of the cheddar.
- Turkey bacon can be used as a way to cut down on calories and fat.
Can I make cheeseburger casserole ahead of time?
You can make it a day in advance to save on time. Complete the recipe all the way up to the baking part, and then just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Then bake as directed the next day (you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the cook time.)
What to Serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Since this is a hearty meal all on its own, you’ll want to choose lighter side dishes, like Charred Corn Salad, Creamy Grape Salad or Copycat Panera Greek Salad. And don’t forget about dessert – these Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a great way to end the meal!
How to Store Leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Bake
Leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven until heated all the way through.
Can I freeze this cheeseburger casserole?
You can, but I like this one served fresh to keep the best texture. The pasta can get a little softer when thawed, and that’s a no-go for my peeps.
Does this taste like a cheeseburger?
I think it does! Even though the pickles and tomatoes are optional, they really do help to add to the overall cheeseburger flavor. If you don’t want to add them into the casserole, you could always serve them on the side as toppings.
Can I use uncooked pasta in this casserole?
Nope, this recipe uses cooked pasta because there isn’t enough liquid in it to cook dry pasta.
This easy cheeseburger casserole is a hearty, family dinner you can count on. And with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger it’s comfort food that kids and adults will love.
More Easy Casserole Recipes
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Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta, rotini, elbow and mini penne work well here
- 8 slices bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup diced pickles, optional
- ½ cup diced tomatoes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch oven-safe casserole dish and set aside.
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, and cooking just until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta before mixing 2 cups with the other ingredients.2 cups cooked pasta
- Prepare the bacon while the pasta cooks, using your preferred method. Drain the grease then chop it up.8 slices bacon
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and discard.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 small onion
- Add the garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard, stir and cook for another minute.2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 Tablespoon ketchup, 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- Combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheese in a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined.1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Whisk together the milk and eggs in a separate bowl. Pour over the pasta mixture and stir gently to combine. If using the pickles and tomatoes, stir them in now.½ cup 2% milk, 4 large eggs, ½ cup diced pickles, ½ cup diced tomatoes
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped tomatoes and pickles, if desired.
Notes
- Cook the noodles to al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
- The bacon and hamburger should be well-drained before adding to the casserole.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the ground beef but you may want to adjust the seasonings.
- Cheese options: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or provolone in place of the cheddar.
- Turkey bacon can be used to reduce calories and fat.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows is to setup and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
