Harvest BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in cozy, comforting meals, and this Harvest BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. It’s a delicious fusion of two all-time favorites—cheeseburgers and casseroles—with a twist of BBQ and crispy bacon that takes it to the next level. The smoky, cheesy flavors combined with tender pasta create a hearty dish that will have your whole family asking for seconds. Trust me, this casserole has become a staple in my home, especially when we’re craving something warm and satisfying.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I first discovered this recipe from Recipes by Lisa, and I’m thrilled to share it with you here. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be on your weekly meal rotation in no time!

Fun Fact and Cultural Origins:

While the cheeseburger is an iconic American dish, casseroles have been a part of American cuisine for decades, especially during the fall and winter months. Casseroles gained popularity in the 1950s as an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner option, combining a variety of ingredients baked together for ultimate convenience. The addition of BBQ sauce and bacon in this recipe brings out the rich, smoky flavors we love in classic American BBQ, perfectly balanced with the cheesiness and heartiness of a casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups cooked pasta (any type)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions:

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

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid greasy casserole.

3. Mix in Sauces: Stir in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, sour cream, and mayonnaise into the beef mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Prepare Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and beef mixture. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until everything is evenly coated.

5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor, if desired.

Cooking Tips & Variations:

• Low-carb option: Swap out the pasta for cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version without losing any of the delicious cheeseburger flavors.
• Add some heat: If you love a bit of spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce on top before serving.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and skip the bacon, or use veggie bacon for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

Pairing Suggestions:

This casserole pairs perfectly with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish. For drinks, a cold glass of lemonade or a refreshing iced tea complements the smoky BBQ and bacon flavors beautifully.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Harvest BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole as much as my family does! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to hit that follow button for more cozy fall recipes, and check out Recipes by Lisa for more delicious ideas. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, and feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family!