Loaded Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride with this hearty and flavorful Loaded Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole! This dish is the perfect combination of all your favorite comfort foods in one delicious bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked macaroni noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- 3. Mix in the BBQ sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- 4. In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked macaroni noodles, beef mixture, diced tomatoes, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- 5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 6. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- What can I use instead of bacon?
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Pepper jack or mozzarella would be great options!
If you’re not a bacon fan, you can use cooked sausage or even sautéed mushrooms as a tasty alternative.
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Helpful tips:
- 1. Add a touch of garlic powder or paprika to enhance the flavor of the beef mixture.
- 2. Top the casserole with some crispy onion straws for an extra crunch.
- 3. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
- 4. For a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the casserole before serving.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. Cook the ground beef and onions low and slow to develop deep, rich flavors.
- 2. Use high-quality BBQ sauce for the best taste – homemade is always a great option!
- 3. Don’t overcook the casserole, as it can dry out. Keep an eye on it in the oven.
- 4. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.