Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that has woven itself into the fabric of our family dinners: the Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. Let me tell you, this dish is like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It all started one chilly autumn evening when I was wracking my brain for something that could satisfy both the kids’ love for cheeseburgers and my need for a quick meal. That’s when the idea of a casserole with all the fixings of a bacon cheeseburger popped into my head, and voilà! A family favorite was born.
As a busy mom, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate a recipe that comes together in just about 30 minutes. This casserole not only hits the mark for speed and ease but warms our hearts and fills our bellies with its cheesy, savory goodness. The moment the aroma of sizzling bacon wafts through the house, I can already see the smiles forming. It’s those little moments, like the crunch of bacon bits and the gooey melted cheese, that make this dish a hero at our dinner table.
I’ve found that the key to nailing this dish is all in the simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Elbow macaroni serves as the perfect base, absorbing the rich beef broth and tomato sauce like a charm. And let’s not forget the special touches—like a dash of Dijon mustard for that tangy kick and sweet pickle relish that adds a surprising twist. It’s these small additions that make our Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole unforgettable.
So, whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight meal or just longing for some comfort food with a fun twist, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Trust me, it’s one of those meals where everyone asks for seconds. Now, grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this delightful dish!
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
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Ingredients:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
- ½ cup bacon (small dice)
- ½ pound ground lean beef
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce (rich and good quality)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons green onions or scallions (sliced)
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (or honey Dijon mustard)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the cooking oil, and cook the diced bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- In the same skillet, use a bit of the bacon grease and additional oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart until browned. Stir in the diced onion, paprika, and black pepper, cooking until the onion is soft.
- Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine.
- Add the elbow macaroni, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, stir again, and cover. Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, half the cooked bacon, and sweet pickle relish until the cheese is melted and ingredients are well mixed.
- If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top, cover, and let it melt. Garnish with the remaining bacon for added crunch.
Customizing Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Alternative Ingredients
You can swap out elbow macaroni for whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist or use turkey bacon to cut down on calories. Not a fan of cheddar? Colby Jack or Monterey Jack make great substitutes. For vegetarians, replace the beef with plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Preserving Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole for Later Enjoyment
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months, reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Perfect Pairings for Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Serve this casserole with a side of crunchy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. A glass of iced tea or a crisp lager pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
Mastering the Art of Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined. For added flavor, toast the pasta lightly in the skillet before adding liquids. Ensure the beef is well-browned for a deeper, more robust taste.
Seasonal Twists for Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
In summer, add fresh diced tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh corn for a vibrant twist. During fall, stir in roasted squash cubes. Winter calls for a dash of warming cayenne pepper, and in spring, add fresh peas or asparagus tips.
FAQs:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply cook it as directed, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or when entertaining guests.
What can I use if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
If you’re out of elbow macaroni, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini. These will hold up well in the casserole and soak up the delicious flavors just as nicely. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary to ensure the pasta is cooked to your preference.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options that maintain the texture and taste of traditional pasta. Also, ensure that your other ingredients, like the beef broth and Dijon mustard, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How do I get that perfect cheese melt?
For a perfectly melted cheese topping, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Cover the skillet during the final melting step to trap steam and evenly melt the cheese.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly! Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can be added to increase the nutritional value. Add them during the step when sautéing onions to ensure they’re cooked through. This not only adds nutrients but also a delightful variety of colors and textures to the dish.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the ground beef. Alternatively, a splash of hot sauce can be mixed into the beef broth and tomato sauce mixture for an extra kick without overwhelming the overall flavor.
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
- 1/2 cup bacon small dice
- 1/2 pound ground lean beef
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce rich and good quality
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons green onions or scallions sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard or honey Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced bacon and sauté until it becomes crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Using the same skillet, retain a small amount of bacon grease and add extra oil. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet and cook until browned. Add in the diced onion, ground paprika, and black pepper, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and Dijon mustard into the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
- Incorporate the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the skillet, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, stir, and cover again. Allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the melted cheddar cheese, half of the cooked bacon, and sweet pickle relish. Mix until the cheese is thoroughly melted and evenly mixed.
- For extra cheesiness, top with another layer of cheese, cover, and let it melt. Finish by sprinkling the remaining bacon on top for added crunch, if desired.
