It doesn’t get much tastier than this Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole! This easy weeknight dinner is a great spin on an American classic and cooks in less than 20 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This bacon cheeseburger casserole is a real crowd pleaser, it keeps in the refrigerator for a few days and can easily be reheated later on.
Did I mention how simple it is to make? You can throw this together very quickly and have it cooked and ready to serve in less than thirty minutes, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge already. This was just as popular as the John Wayne Casserole and my Shepherd’s Pie I make regularly.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
BEEF – Lean ground beef is our beef of choice. You can substitute for ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead if you’d like.
CHEESE – We recommend grating your own mozzarella and cheddar as fresh shredded cheese doesn’t contain additives and provides a smoother, creamier consistency as opposed to store-bought shredded cheese which can sometimes be grainy when melted.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Cook the bacon first, I prefer to cook it on a sheet pan in the oven until it’s crispy but you can cook it whichever way you prefer. Drain it on paper towels and chop it or break it into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook your macaroni according to directions on the pack, then drain.
- While the macaroni is cooking brown the beef in a large skillet until fully cooked. If after cooking the beef has a lot of fat/liquid/juice left you can pour some of that off, I prefer to use lean beef and keep some of the juice as I think it adds to the flavor.
- Measure the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup into a small bowl or measuring jug and mix well to combine. Place cornstarch in a separate small bowl and add a tablespoon or two of the broth mixture. Stir until well combined then add that mixture to the rest of the broth mixture. Doing it this way will keep the cornstarch from clumping together.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with the beef broth mixture, stir well to combine beef, pasta, bacon, and sauce.
- Cook on medium heat until the sauce bubbles and thickens. If it’s too thick for you, thin it out with a little more beef broth.
- Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the top of the skillet cheeseburger mixture. Cover and cook on very low heat until cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Our readers have had success adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and hamburger seasoning as well as diced onions, green or red bell peppers, and fresh garlic. Red pepper flakes or jalapeno would make a great addition as well for some heat!
To make bacon cheeseburger casserole gluten free, simply substitute gluten-free pasta for regular, make sure the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, and you are good to go! For those that are dairy free, you can use a shredded vegan cheese substitute instead, it works just as well.
You can store this casserole in an air tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Try adding a little bit of water when reheating to add moisture back to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Put ideas here about how to serve, bulleted list with links and a short sentence or phrase (i.e. Our crockpot mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus make a great side for this recipe.)
Bacon cheeseburger pasta is quick, easy, and takes ingredients you most likely already have on hand to make a delicious weeknight meal that’s budget-friendly and filling.
More Dinner Recipes
- Crockpot Roast Beef – Amanda’s Cookin’
- Oven Chili Dogs– Amanda’s Cookin’
- Southwest Ground Beef Casserole – Amanda’s Cookin’
- One Pan Beef Stroganoff – Noshtastic
- Crockpot Beef Burgundy – Amanda’s Cookin’
- BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Skillet– Amanda’s Cookin’
- One Pot Chili Pasta – Kids Activities Blog
- See all my Macaroni and Cheese recipes here.
- This is my favorite meatloaf recipe in the world.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate It Text ItIngredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 6 strips bacon cooked and cut into pieces
- 1 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch may use less
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup
- 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup
Things You’ll Need
Instructions
- Cook the bacon first, I prefer to cook it on a sheet pan in the oven until it’s crispy but you can cook it whatever way you prefer. Drain it on paper towels and cut it or break it into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook your macaroni according to directions on the pack, then drain.
- While the macaroni is cooking brown the beef in a large skillet until fully cooked. If after cooking the beef has a lot of fat/liquid/juice left you can pour some of that off, I prefer to use lean beef and keep some of the juice as I think it adds to the flavor.
- Measure the beef broth,Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch into a small bowl or measuring jug and mix well to combine the cornstarch.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with the beef broth mixture, stir well to combine beef, pasta, bacon, and sauce.
- Cook on a medium heat until the sauce bubbles and thickens. If it’s too thick for you, thin it out with a little more beef broth.
- Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the top of the skillet cheeseburger mixture.
- Cover and cook on very low heat until cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Video
Expert Tips & FAQs
- You can store this casserole in an air tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Try adding a little bit of water when reheating to add moisture back to the dish.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on Sept. 4, 2018 and has since been updated with new photos.
Sheena Strain
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Chuck Nelson says
We loved this recipe. I made it with meatball blend (ground beef, pork and veal) which I think adds to the flavor I will add the bacon sprinkled on top just before the cheese next time to retain more bacon crunch.
Rita Lee says
I made this and enjoyed it to no end. However, my husband found it too oily so I will have to use extra lean, i didnt use bacon but i think there was that special flavor lost. I ENJOYED IT.
Joe Zillington says
Another bland semi-tasteless dish for people with taste buds of a 5 year old. Seriously, when will people learn the art of seasoning as opposed to merely dumping bunch of stuff worthy of caveman level of refinement. This recipe is exactly what makes most people raise their eyebrows and roll their eyes at yet another hearty Midwestern “creation”.
Amanda Formaro says
Sorry it wasn’t up to your standards. Thousands of readers have enjoyed this recipe.
Mike hunt says
Nobody asked you to cook it or criticize the recipe
Skye Rollings says
Actually by putting something on the internet you have invited critisism. Do not slience someone because of their experience. The OP had everything under control with the response provided. The replier didnt cuss, or belittle them as a person just gave a gordon ramsey esc reply. Chill.
Good recipe however some changes:
-Double bacon amount
-Throw some diced onions with the beef, and make sure to salt your beef and onions
-Put your beef broth mixture(The broth, ketchup and worcestershire) into a skillet and simmer for about 20 minutes reduce by 1/4th
-Add your cornstarch and noodles to the mixture and it will sauce up
-Make a bed of noodles and beef with 1/2 of your bacon.
-Take cheeses and spread on top add remaining 1/2 of bacon.
You just took this from a 4 to 5 with a little elbow grease.
Misty says
Wow .. can some people just leave their snide and rude comments to themselves? Maybe just a, “This didn’t have enough seasoning for me,” for example, and then put in a suggestion that people who like more flavoring might find helpful. I am excited to try this recipe – thank you for sharing, Amanda!
David says
Love it!! I just started cooking and this recipe is easy and delicious! If I were to make this for 2 people how should I adjust the amount of each ingredient?
Amanda Formaro says
You could safely cut the recipe in half :)
Janice Holland says
Easy & Excellent!! Will add to my most used recipe collection!!!
Morgan says
It was good, but wasn’t oh my goodness make that good. Probably would be better if I would have grated my own cheese. Not sure I will make it again.
Brittany says
I’m curious if anyone has tried making this ahead or how it reheats?
Sam says
I make casseroles just for myself, so I portion & freeze them for later. This is one of my favorites & have used it for years. I do a couple of things differently though. I make a béchamel sauce instead of a slurry & I add a teaspoon or so of hamburger seasoning.
Cathy Ryan says
Thanks, Amanda, for sharing this recipe! Not only is it filled with flavor (I added a bit of garlic), easy to make, economical, and satisfying.
ANALIESE says
Very tasty and great for stretching a lb of ground beef- I added 1/2 of an onion when I browned the beef and made it one step up- Thanks for a lovely recipe
Samantha says
This recipe was very good!!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Brandy says
My hubby is not crazy about me constantly trying new recipes. Made this a while back and again last night. He still loves it! Only thing I did different was added a little garlic powder, onion powder, and of course mustard. A quick fall back recipe for a last minute dinner!
Amanda Formaro says
Hooray, so glad you guys love it!
Jill Buswell says
I added a little more ketsup and worcestershire sauce to make it a little tangier, but l like it all in all.
Sam says
I give this 5 stars & commented on it in 2016. However, I have tweaked it & believe one additional ingredient takes it to the next level: hamburger seasoning. I’ve used both Weber & McCormick’s hamburger seasoning, but prefer the Weber. Adding (at least) a teaspoon works wonders!
Amanda Formaro says
Such a great tip, thank you so much Sam!
Dwight Guy says
Thank you! I LOVE this!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you enjoyed it! :)
Kiki says
I tweaked it a bit, cooked the beef first, then the bacon and left a few tablespoon for the sauce. I put it in an oven dish and combined the pasta and beef and the cheese. Poured the mixture over it and put it in the oven at 450 for 5 minutes… took it out put a bit more cheese on it along with the bacon and put it in the oven for only 3 or 4 minutes. It came out smelling like HEAVEN! And my normal VERY picky, non-casserole eating son LOVED it!
Amanda Formaro says
Hooray, thanks for explaining your changes too!!
Sharon lawson says
Very good. I used crushed fritos on top.
Amanda Formaro says
Sounds great!
Michelle says
Perfect for a chilly rainy day! My boyfriend and I loved it. Comfort food at its finest with the right blend of flavors. Thank you!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Michelle, so glad you enjoyed it!
Lisa Lysholm says
In addition to being unable to print a recipe with the image, I also keep getting more and more pop-up ads that block thebottom of the recipe. When I click to close the recipe, I keep unsubscribing. This never happened before, yet in the past few days has happened about a half dozen times. I really love your recipes, but I’m so frustrated with this new format that I’m thinking I’ll stay unsubscribeunsubscribeunsubscribed. Wishing you well, regardless.
Amanda Formaro says
I’m so sorry you had trouble. I’m unable to duplicate what you are describing. It’s possible that your cache cleared and when that happens it can make a bunch of ads appear that you wouldn’t normally see. But the fact that it’s happened over the last few days is troubling. Is there a way you could email a couple of screenshots to me so I can try and troubleshoot?
Lisa Lysholm says
Sure, if there’s any way to correct the issue.
Of course, I’d have to subscribe again, as I’d given up last time I accidentally unsubscribed.
Candice says
Made it a month ago and my husband is asking for it again!. Making it again tonight!
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome! It’s such an easy dinner, so glad you guys enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know! :)
Judy says
I was looking forward to this recipe, but was disappointed. Next time I will sauté some diced Inuits and diced green or red pepper in a tablespoon of the bacon grease. It definitely will add some more flavor. I’m also going to try to add a can of baked beans to add liquid and flavor.
Amanda Formaro says
Sorry it wasn’t for you Judy! Everyone has different tastes :)
Kat says
This turned out really good. I added onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, and 1/4 grape tomatoes and I didn’t have bacon so I made it without.. (bet its supurb with it) I also didn’t have miss. So I used havarti dill I had on hand and it worked fine. This is a great way to throw together whatever you have on hand to make a fast meal. Thanks this one saved the day.
Amanda Formaro says
Wow that’s a lot of changes but sounds delicious!