Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole

Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole

To make this casserole, you’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 8 slices of bread (white, wheat, or sourdough work well)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pickles, for garnish (optional)

Directions for Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon, mustard, and ketchup (if using). Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through.

3. Prepare the Bread:

  • Butter one side of each bread slice. The buttered side will face up in the casserole, giving the top layer that perfect golden-brown grilled cheese look.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, in the bottom of the dish to form the first layer.
  • Spoon the bacon cheeseburger mixture over the bread, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
  • Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.

5. Bake:

  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top layer of bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with pickles if desired, and serve warm!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Cooking spray or butter for greasing
  • Spatula for mixing and serving

Tips for Making the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole

  • Choose Your Bread: White bread works best for a classic grilled cheese feel, but sourdough or whole wheat bread can add more texture and flavor.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack with cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
  • Customize the Meat: While ground beef is the standard, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a healthier twist.
  • Condiment Options: Spread a thin layer of mayo, ketchup, or mustard on the bread slices for extra burger flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this casserole by wrapping portions in plastic wrap and foil, keeping them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Pairing Suggestions

This Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole pairs wonderfully with:

  • French Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate diner-style meal.
  • Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the casserole.
  • Pickles or Coleslaw: Tangy pickles or a crunchy coleslaw provide a great contrast to the cheesy, savory casserole.

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