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Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole
To make this casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 8 slices of bread (white, wheat, or sourdough work well)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pickles, for garnish (optional)
Directions for Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon, mustard, and ketchup (if using). Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
3. Prepare the Bread:
- Butter one side of each bread slice. The buttered side will face up in the casserole, giving the top layer that perfect golden-brown grilled cheese look.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, in the bottom of the dish to form the first layer.
- Spoon the bacon cheeseburger mixture over the bread, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.
5. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top layer of bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with pickles if desired, and serve warm!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
- Spatula for mixing and serving
Tips for Making the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole
- Choose Your Bread: White bread works best for a classic grilled cheese feel, but sourdough or whole wheat bread can add more texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack with cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Customize the Meat: While ground beef is the standard, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a healthier twist.
- Condiment Options: Spread a thin layer of mayo, ketchup, or mustard on the bread slices for extra burger flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole by wrapping portions in plastic wrap and foil, keeping them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Pairing Suggestions
This Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- French Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate diner-style meal.
- Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the casserole.
- Pickles or Coleslaw: Tangy pickles or a crunchy coleslaw provide a great contrast to the cheesy, savory casserole.
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