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When you're craving a hearty, simple dish that'll get everyone grinning, this bacon cheeseburger grilled cheese casserole is the way to go. It's like your top diner favorites layered into one cozy, golden baked pan—think juicy beef, crunchy bacon, loads of melty cheese, and crispy bread. Everyone grabs seconds when this lands on the table.
The first time I made this, I was shocked it tasted just like a real cheeseburger, and my family couldn't get enough. Now it's our go-to when we're curled up for movie nights or want something warm on the weekend.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Margarine: Spread this on your bread so it crisps up and gets that buttered-outside flavor
- Bread: Use sturdy slices that toast nicely for the casserole's upper and lower crusts
- Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Grab a chunk and shred it yourself for stretchier, tastier melted cheese
- Onion powder: Gives the filling a rich, extra-oniony flavor
- Salt and pepper: Shake these in to bring out all the other flavors
- Ketchup: Splat in some for that tang you expect from burgers
- Mustard: Adds a zippy kick to everything
- Real bacon bits: Crunchy, salty bites of bacon—way easier than frying it yourself
- Mayo: Creams things up and binds the filling
- Yellow onion: Chop it in for some softness and a sweet onion bite
- Lean ground beef: Brown it up for a savory foundation that's just right, not oily
Easy Step-by-Step
- Bake Until Bubbly:
- Now, pop the casserole in the oven. Bake for twenty to twenty four minutes. You're aiming for a crispy, browned top and bubbling cheese all around the sides.
- Cap It Off:
- Spread margarine on six more bread slices, cut each in half, and lay them on top—margarine side facing up—so they get perfectly toasted and brown as a lid.
- Layer the Rest of the Cheese:
- Dump the rest of your shredded cheese over top of that beefy layer so every bite gets gooey and stretchy.
- Spread the Beef Out:
- Layer all that bacon-beef filling on top of the cheese. Smooth it out to cover every corner.
- Sprinkle First Cheese Layer:
- Add half the shredded cheese across your bread slices. Keeps the bread from sogging and brings that extra cheesy start to every bite.
- Arrange Bread Slices:
- Butter one side of six bread slices, chop them in half, then place them butter side down in a greased 9 x 13 baking pan—cover the bottom completely.
- Add Flavorful Fillings:
- Take the pan off the burner and stir in the bacon bits, mayo, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and onion powder. You want every bit of beef coated and glistening.
- Soften the Onions:
- Add in chopped onion to the browned beef. Let that cook for a couple minutes to take the sharp edge off without making it mushy.
- Brown the Beef:
- Chuck the ground beef in a big pan on medium-high with a little margarine or butter. Crumble it up as it cooks. Drain the grease once it's all cooked through so your base doesn't end up greasy.
- Preheat That Oven:
- Fire up your oven to 400F. You want it nice and hot when you slide in the dish, so the bread gets crunchy and the cheese melts just right.
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The best part for me is always the top bread—so perfectly crisped, it gives you grilled cheese vibes in every bite. My nephew swears it beats any burger and asks for it whenever family's in town.
Smart Storage Tips
Cool the dish all the way first, then throw leftovers in sealed containers. They'll last three days in the fridge. If you're freezing, cut it up, wrap each piece well, and stash in the freezer. Pop it in a 350F oven to bring back the crunch—skip the microwave or the bread goes soft.
Swap Ideas
Use turkey or a plant protein for a lighter take. Want a different cheese? Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack are great. Try tossing in diced pickles, or swap BBQ sauce if ketchup's not your thing.
Fresh Ways to Serve
Dole out big squares hot with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies. Make it classic by tossing pickles on the side or drizzling with your fave burger sauce. Leftovers? They're awesome packed for lunches or a quick picnic fix.
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Fun Backstory
This dish is a twist on the classic American combo of grilled cheese and burgers—both loved comfort foods. By baking them together, you get that nostalgia from summer cookouts and school-day snacks, and you can feed a bunch of folks at once without flipping sandwiches at the stove.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I swap the bread in the dish?
Sure! Use any bread you like—brioche, whole grain, or even something crusty to change it up.
- → How far ahead can I prep this?
No problem! Build it, chill it, and bake right before serving to keep it fresh.
- → What can I use instead of ground beef?
Feel free to go with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option.
- → Which cheeses work best here?
Mozzarella and cheddar are a great combo, but Colby or Monterey Jack are equally tasty.
- → How do I keep the bread crunchy?
Spread margarine evenly and leave the dish uncovered while baking for a nice crispy finish.