Ever have one of those nights where the family is chanting for burgers, but the thought of flipping patties in the cold just doesn’t sound like fun? Same, honey, same. That’s when this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole becomes my weeknight hero. It’s got all the crave-worthy flavor of a cookout favorite—juicy beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and that tangy BBQ sauce—but it all bakes together in one cozy dish. Less fuss, more flavor. Now who’s ready to ditch the drive-thru line for good?
Top Reasons To Make It
This recipe is a total win for real life. First, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning your sink won’t be piled high when you’re done. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser that gets even the pickiest eaters to clean their plates. And third, it’s so incredibly adaptable. Got a different pasta in the pantry? A different cheese? No problem. It’s the kind of hearty, comforting meal that just makes everyone happy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Our hearty, protein-packed base.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: For a sweet, savory flavor foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything’s better with garlic.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta for holding all that saucy goodness.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tomatoey base of our sauce.
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling: Brings that signature sweet and smoky flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Thins the sauce just enough so the pasta cooks perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami kick.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: For a little tangy brightness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives that “grilled” flavor without the grill.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: For irresistible smoky crunch and saltiness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Because it’s not a cheeseburger without all that melty goodness.
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles and thinly sliced green onions: The perfect fresh, crunchy garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. No need to grease it.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions for al dente. It’ll keep cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks until it’s no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika. Let it all come to a simmer.
- Add the drained pasta and half of the crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir everything until it’s beautifully combined and coated in that saucy BBQ goodness.
- Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining bacon.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and maybe even a little golden around the edges.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up so you get nice clean slices. Top with those chopped pickles and green onions for that classic burger finish. So good.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Tips For Success
- Don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente is key since it soaks up sauce and softens more in the oven.
- For a richer flavor, use a dark beer or a stout in place of the beef broth. (But the broth works perfectly, too!).
- Feel free to use your favorite pre-shredded cheese blend for convenience, but shredding a block of cheddar yourself will give you the best, creamiest melt.
- Let it rest. I know it’s hard to wait, but those 5 minutes out of the oven make all the difference for serving.
- Honestly, if you’re short on time, fully cooked bacon from the salad aisle is a lifesaver here.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This casserole is a full meal all on its own, but I love rounding it out with something fresh and crunchy. A simple, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect side to cut through the richness. For a real backyard BBQ vibe, serve it with some creamy coleslaw or quick-pickled cucumber slices. And if you’ve got little ones (or adults!) who love to dip, put a little extra BBQ sauce or even some ketchup on the table.
Variations & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: An easy swap for a lighter version. Just watch the cooking time as lean poultry can cook faster.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire are GF.
- Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño to the beef while it’s browning or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, some diced bell peppers, or even chopped spinach with the sauce.
- Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a gouda would be delicious here.
Storage & Reheating
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing. They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, the microwave is fine for a quick lunch—sprinkle a few drops of water on top to keep it from drying out. But for the best texture, reheat it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going into the oven cold.
- Is this one of those healthy dinner recipes? It’s a hearty comfort food meal, but you can lighten it up by using lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and a low-sugar BBQ sauce. It’s all about balance!
- What other easy meals can I make with these ingredients? This is a great base recipe. The same method works great for a sloppy joe or even a taco pasta bake—just switch up the sauces and seasonings!
- My family doesn’t like pickles. What else can I use? No problem! Try topping with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or even a dollop of sour cream for a cool contrast.