Denner Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

I made this Denner Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole the night my oven and I decided to have an argument. It’s basically all the guilty pleasures of a cheeseburger shoved into one gloriously lazy casserole pan: seasoned beef, bacon that crisps up like it’s on a mission, melty cheese that behaves exactly like a grown-up wants, and carbs—because sorrow needs carbs. It’s special because it feeds people fast, hides the vegetables (if you’re into that kind of betrayal), and looks impressive enough to make guests say “wow” even if your stovetop is covered in unidentifiable grease splatters. Try it because it’s comfort food without the BBQ grill drama, and because sometimes dinner should be a hug in a baking dish.

My husband once tried to “help” by flipping bacon on a crowded skillet. End result: bacon on the ceiling, him claiming it was “aerated bacon,” and three kids who thought fireworks had started in the kitchen. I laughed, then yelled, then accepted his offer to do the dishes because apparently aerated bacon is his signature move. True story: yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-cooked bacon. Yes, it’s a little cheaty. Yes, I approve.
– Swap fresh onions for the frozen diced kind. No crying, fewer tears to mop up.
– Brown the meat in a single wide pan and transfer right into the casserole dish — less cookware, fewer witnesses.
– Shortcut: Buy shredded cheese instead of grating. It’s faster and you won’t accidentally grate your thumb (been there).
– Lay a sheet of foil on the counter to catch crumbs and drips. You can pretend you did the countertops a favor.

Serving Ideas

– Pair with a simple green salad if you want to look health-conscious. Dress it with sarcasm and vinaigrette.
– Serve with store-bought pickles for crunch and moral complexity.
– Wine suggestion: a red that says “I cooked” even if your oven did most of the work. If the kids drove you nuts, serve with boxed wine and a long sigh.
– For parties: turn it into a build-your-own plate station — guests feel interactive, you feel like a genius.

What to Serve It With

– Crusty bread or soft rolls for sopping up the cheesy, meaty goodness.
– Roasted veggies if you want to pretend this is balanced.
– Pickles, ketchup, mustard — optional condiments for the burger purists among us.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Tip: Don’t overcook the beef at the start — it finishes in the oven and you don’t want dry, crunchy regrets.
– Mistake to avoid: Overloading the casserole with liquid ingredients. It should be lush, not swimming.
– Reality check: If the casserole looks too browned on top, tent with foil and pretend you meant to do that dramatic crust.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh. Also: cover tightly with foil or an airtight container, and it’ll keep 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave—microwave is faster, oven is for when you can’t bear soggy cheese.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts. Want it lighter? Use turkey or a lean beef. Vegetarian? Swap meat for a hearty mix of mushrooms and lentils and call it a life choice. Add jalapeños if you like panic with dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denner Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

This delicious casserole combines savory bacon, lean beef, and creamy cheese in a comforting dish.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lb ground beef lean, 80/20 is ideal
• ▢ 8 oz bacon chopped
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
• ▢ 2 cups fusilli pasta uncooked
• ▢ 1 cup diced tomatoes canned
• ▢ 1 cup onion chopped
• ▢ 2 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then set aside on paper towels.
• In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until it’s fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish, then top with the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Pair with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.