Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the warm, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect for a family dinner or a fun twist on comfort food!
Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably white or sourdough)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Ketchup and mustard (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and cook for another minute. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Casserole Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top of the bread.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cooked beef and bacon mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top the beef with the remaining shredded cheese.
4. Make the Custard:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, mayonnaise, eggs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure all the bread is soaked in the mixture.
5. Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping, if desired.
Tips:
- Bread Choice: You can use a combination of white bread, sourdough, or even brioche for added flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Add More Toppings: Feel free to top with lettuce, pickles, or tomatoes for a more “burger-like” experience.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole is a satisfying and fun twist on two classic comfort foods. It’s cheesy, meaty, and totally indulgent—perfect for any occasion! 🍔🧀