Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole! This crowd-pleasing dish combines two American classics—the juicy, savory goodness of a bacon cheeseburger and the gooey satisfaction of grilled cheese—all in an easy-to-serve casserole format.
Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings, this casserole delivers all the flavors you crave without the fuss of grilling individual burgers or sandwiches. The melty cheese pulls, the savory ground beef, and the crispy bacon bits create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pan wonder that feeds the whole family with minimal cleanup
- Kid-friendly comfort food that adults will equally devour
- Make-ahead friendly—prep earlier in the day and bake when ready
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and cheese varieties
- Transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal experience
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
- Add sliced tomatoes or lettuce after baking for fresh burger flavor
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option
- Mix in 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce to the beef mixture for a smoky twist
- Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese
- Add mushrooms sautéed in butter for an umami boost
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the meat mixture
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A pickle spear and some crispy potato chips on the side complete the burger experience in casserole form.
For a fun dinner party, set out small bowls of additional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and extra bacon bits so everyone can garnish their portion to taste.
Notes
- The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for best results
- For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Texas toast, sourdough, or brioche all work beautifully. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the fillings.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain malt vinegar).
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
What if I don’t have all the cheeses listed?
Use what you have! This recipe is forgiving and works with most melting cheeses. Aim for about 16 slices total, or 2 cups if using shredded cheese.
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
