Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole

If you’re a fan of classic comfort foods like bacon cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, then get ready to elevate your taste buds with our irresistible Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole. Packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon bits, gooey cheese, and all the fixings, this casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends. Join us as we dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup real bacon bits
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 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:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the real bacon bits, mayo, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Spread half of the margarine on one side of each bread slice.
  2. Place 6 bread slices margarine-side down in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend over the ground beef mixture.
  5. Top with the remaining 6 bread slices, margarine-side up.

4. Bake the Casserole:

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top of the casserole is golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole!

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Bacon Substitution: If you prefer, you can use cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits as a substitute for real bacon bits.
  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Sharp cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack would all work well in this recipe.
  • Bread Choices: While traditional white or wheat bread works great in this casserole, you can also use sourdough, Italian, or even Texas toast for added flavor.

Keto Versions and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Bread Substitute: Replace the bread slices with low-carb alternatives such as almond flour bread, cloud bread, or keto-friendly tortillas.
  • Condiment Adjustment: Opt for sugar-free versions of ketchup and mustard to reduce carb content.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Breadless Casserole: Omit the bread entirely and enjoy the cheesy beef mixture on its own or serve over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.
  • Vegetable Addition: Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutrient content and add extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Simply assemble the casserole according to the instructions, cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

3. Can I add extra toppings to this casserole?

Certainly! Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite burger toppings such as sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even caramelized onions for an extra flavor boost.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our mouthwatering Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole. Loaded with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and all the classic burger fixings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try today and treat yourself to a taste of cheesy, bacony goodness!