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Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole
When two comfort food classics collide, magic happens in your kitchen. My Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole combines everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger with the gooey satisfaction of grilled cheese—all in convenient casserole form!
This crowd-pleasing dish transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, bringing all those familiar flavors together in each hearty bite. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to fuss with individual burgers or sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pan wonder that feeds the whole family with minimal cleanup
- Combines two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible meal
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
- Make-ahead friendly—prep earlier in the day and bake when ready
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and cheeses
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 yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 12 slices white or whole wheat bread
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef with a small dab of butter. Cook the beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns – this takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onions to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften and become fragrant.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the bacon bits, mayo, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix everything together until well combined – this creates that classic cheeseburger flavor throughout the filling.
- Spread 6 slices of bread with half the margarine, then cut each slice in half. Place these pieces margarine-side down in your greased baking dish, creating the bottom layer. Sprinkle 2 cups of the cheese mixture over the bread.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer, spreading it out to cover the bread completely. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese – this creates those gooey, melty layers that make this casserole so amazing.
- Spread the remaining 6 slices of bread with the rest of the margarine and cut them in half. Place these pieces margarine-side up on top of the casserole. Bake for 20-24 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before cutting – this helps it hold together better. Serve hot and watch everyone dig into this comfort food masterpiece!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option, adding a tablespoon of olive oil for moisture
- Make it deluxe by adding diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce as a fresh garnish after baking
- For a make-ahead option, assemble everything except the egg mixture up to 8 hours ahead, refrigerate, then add the egg mixture just before baking
- Try different cheese combinations—pepper jack, Swiss, or smoked gouda all work beautifully
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some additional bread cubes tossed in melted butter on top before baking
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an authentic diner experience, serve with extra ketchup, mustard, and pickle spears on the side.
For a complete comfort food feast, add a side of sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dipping those cheesy, burger-filled bites.
Notes
- The casserole is done when the center reaches 160°F and the top is golden brown
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven
- For best results, use slightly stale bread that will better absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
Velveeta, Colby, or additional cheddar cheese work well as substitutes for American cheese in this recipe.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetarian bacon or omit it entirely. The cheese and seasonings will still provide plenty of flavor.
Servings8
Prep20 min
Cook24 min
Calories485 kcal
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 yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 12 slices white or whole wheat bread
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef with a small dab of butter. Cook the beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns - this takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onions to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften and become fragrant.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the bacon bits, mayo, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix everything together until well combined - this creates that classic cheeseburger flavor throughout the filling.
- Spread 6 slices of bread with half the margarine, then cut each slice in half. Place these pieces margarine-side down in your greased baking dish, creating the bottom layer. Sprinkle 2 cups of the cheese mixture over the bread.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer, spreading it out to cover the bread completely. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese - this creates those gooey, melty layers that make this casserole so amazing.
- Spread the remaining 6 slices of bread with the rest of the margarine and cut them in half. Place these pieces margarine-side up on top of the casserole. Bake for 20-24 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before cutting - this helps it hold together better. Serve hot and watch everyone dig into this comfort food masterpiece!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 485 kcal
