Ultimate Comfort Food: Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole recipe. This mouthwatering dish combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the gooey goodness of grilled cheese, resulting in a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a nostalgic meal from your childhood, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Join us as we dive into the world of cheesy goodness and savory satisfaction with this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup real bacon bits
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 12 slices bread
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend
Instructions:
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onions and Bacon: Add diced yellow onion and real bacon bits to the cooked ground beef, cooking until onions are softened.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and onion powder to create the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the sauce into the ground beef mixture until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a layer of margarine on one side of each bread slice. Place 6 slices of bread, margarine-side down, in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the bread slices in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend on top. Repeat with another layer of bread, remaining ground beef mixture, and remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bread Variations: Experiment with different types of bread such as sourdough, brioche, or whole wheat for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend or mix and match cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a custom flavor profile.
- Additional Toppings: Enhance the casserole with additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, pickles, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Substitute the bread slices with low-carb or keto-friendly bread alternatives such as cloud bread, almond flour bread, or lettuce wraps. Use sugar-free ketchup and mustard, and opt for a mayonnaise made with avocado oil to reduce carb content. Replace the margarine with butter or ghee.
- Low-Carb Option: Similarly, reduce the amount of bread used in the casserole or omit it entirely. Increase the amount of ground beef and cheese to compensate for the absence of bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Allow the casserole to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
- Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole? While this casserole can be frozen, the texture of the bread may change upon thawing. It’s best to freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easy reheating.
- What can I serve with this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. You can also serve it with additional condiments like ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce on the side.
In conclusion, Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole is a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for indulging in the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a twist. With its layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese, this casserole offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option or a nostalgic comfort food fix, this recipe delivers on both taste and satisfaction. So fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the deliciousness of Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole today!
