*Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Supreme!*
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 6 slices bacon
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced avocado, sour cream
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain off excess fat.
3. Cook bacon in the same skillet until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
4. Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened.
5. Stir in BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the meat mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot with optional toppings.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 450
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fiber: 5g
– Protein: 30g
**Helpful tips:**
1. For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
2. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor of the dish.
3. Try using different types of cheese for a unique twist on the recipe.
4. Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top for some extra crunch.
5. Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.
6. Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
7. Feel free to add your favorite burger toppings to the casserole, such as pickles or mustard.
8. Experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney or pinto beans.
9. Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy to add a delicious crunch to the dish.
2. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together.
3. Don’t overcook the elbow macaroni to keep them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
4. Use a quality BBQ sauce to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
5. Feel free to add in additional veggies like corn or mushrooms for extra flavor.
6. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
7. Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, such as using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
8. Use a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation and even cooking.
9. Experiment with different types of ground meat for a variety of flavors.
10. Enjoy leftovers by reheating in the oven for a crispy top layer.
Hope you enjoy making and devouring this delicious Loaded Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Supreme!
