Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small yellow onion (chopped); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 1 1/2 cups 2% milk; 4 slices crispy bacon (cooked and chopped); 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces elbow macaroni (cooked according to package instructions); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

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This comforting Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole takes just 20 minutes to prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-favorite dish blends the classic flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger with the heartiness of a casserole.

Remember the days of quick and easy meals like Hamburger Helper? We lived on that stuff during our first year of marriage. Our Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole brings back those cozy memories with this home-cooked meal that’s just as simple and delightful.

a bowl of bacon cheeseburger casserole with parsley on top

In 20 minutes, you can mix up a casserole dish packed with the familiar flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, combined with elbow macaroni and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the best part of a cheeseburger in the ease of a casserole, perfect for a busy weeknight when you want to serve up a meal that’s satisfying for the entire family.

Ingredients

Ground Beef. Choose lean ground beef (at least 85% lean) which will give you a less greasy meat mixture.
Milk. I use 2% milk, but a higher fat milk will yield a creamier cheese sauce.
Bacon. I love using maple bacon in casseroles. It adds such a slight sweetness that pairs well with the savory ground beef and cheese.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese. Buy a block of cheese and shred it on a cheese grater for this recipe. It will make the sauce creamy and delicious.

✨ See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients. ✨

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Make this delicious casserole in just 6 simple steps.

In a large skillet, cook the lean beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, until the flour is well-distributed and slightly browned.
Gradually stir in the beef broth, milk, bacon, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the beef and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
Pour the macaroni and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish (we love our deep dish 9×13″ baking pan). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

overhead view of bacon cheeseburger casserole in a baking pan

Add your favorite toppings

What are your favorite things to put on a cheeseburger? Dice those up and sprinkle them on top. Try dill pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato, olives or red onion. Any of these additional toppings would add great flavor to the bacon cheeseburger casserole.

Make it a Meal

Once your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is hot and bubbling from the oven, it’s time to think about how to serve it up. This dish is a star on its own, but a few simple sides can elevate it to a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:

Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
Baked French Fries. Because the best side dish for this cheesy casserole that has all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger is french fries!
Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgence, serve the casserole with a side of warm garlic bread. After all, you won’t have the hamburger bun and garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creamy Coleslaw: Add a bit of crunch to your meal with a side of coleslaw. The tangy flavor pairs nicely with the ground beef casserole.

Storage Instructions

Have leftover bacon cheeseburger casserole? No problem! It keeps well and can be a lifesaver for lunches or hectic evenings.

Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering it with a lid or plastic wrap. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the casserole again, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave. For oven reheating, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes). In the microwave, heat individual servings on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Freezer Tip: If you’ve frozen your casserole, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.