Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls! These delicious bundles take everything you love about a classic bacon cheeseburger and transform it into a fun, handheld meal that’s perfect for busy evenings, game day gatherings, or just when you’re craving something a little different.
I created this recipe after my kids started requesting “something fun” for dinner, and these rolls have quickly become a family staple. The seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy bacon all wrapped in golden, flaky dough create an irresistible combination that brings smiles to the table every time.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
- Kid-approved and fun to eat with no utensils required
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and condiments
- Great for meal prep – they reheat beautifully for lunches
- Portable option for picnics, potlucks, or eating on the go
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh tomato, diced and drained
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Pour in warm water and olive oil, then stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat. Set aside to cool slightly.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Evenly spread the cooked beef over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with bacon pieces, diced onion, tomato, and shredded cheese.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices, each about 1-inch thick.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese crumbles
- Make it lighter by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Add finely chopped pickles to the filling for an authentic burger taste
- Prepare the filling up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble
- For a homemade touch, use your favorite pizza or bread dough instead of crescent rolls
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls with small dishes of ketchup, mustard, and burger sauce for dipping. A simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles complements these rolls perfectly, giving you all the flavors of a deconstructed burger experience.
For a more substantial meal, pair with sweet potato fries, a light coleslaw, or a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds
- Rolls are done when they’re golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the center
- To freeze, cool completely then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. You can also assemble the rolls a few hours before baking and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the excess fat from the beef mixture and allow it to cool slightly before adding to the dough. Also, don’t overfill the rolls.
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Pizza dough or bread dough works well. Just roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness before cutting into rectangles.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave for 30-45 seconds, but the dough won’t be as crisp.
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