When you want all the bold, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger without standing over a grill, this bacon cheeseburger casserole is the perfect solution. It combines juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce into one warm, filling, oven-baked meal.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep because everything cooks together in one dish. The result is rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make with everyday ingredients.
Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Works
This recipe delivers reliable, flavorful results because:
- 80/20 ground beef keeps the casserole juicy and flavorful
- Bacon adds smoky, crispy texture in every bite
- Potatoes soak up the creamy sauce without becoming mushy
- Cream-based soups create a thick, stable filling
- Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and browns beautifully on top
Each step is designed to balance texture, moisture, and flavor so the casserole slices cleanly and reheats well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups cubed potatoes (peeled, ½-inch pieces)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of celery soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Before You Begin
Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Prepare your cookware, tools, and baking dish before starting. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your oven, pan type, and ingredient moisture levels, so check for doneness as you go.
- Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick. - Cook the Beef Safely
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole. - Soften the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and garlic to the same pan. Cook 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. This prevents undercooked pieces in the final dish. - Combine the Filling
In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, crumbled bacon, cream soups, milk, seasoning, and 1½ cups of the cheese. Stir until evenly blended. If mixture seems too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk. - Layer the Potatoes
Spread the cubed potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Keep pieces small and even so they cook at the same rate. - Add the Beef Mixture
Spoon the beef mixture over the potatoes and spread gently to an even layer. - Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs on top. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the center is hot and bubbly. Ovens vary—begin checking around 40 minutes. - Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the layers firm up and slice cleanly.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Serve this hearty casserole hot and fresh from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing so the layers can set and hold together nicely. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy flavors. You can also serve it with classic dinner sides like garlic bread, dinner rolls, or coleslaw. For a fun twist, set out burger-style toppings such as pickles, ketchup, mustard, or diced tomatoes so everyone can customize their plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting potatoes too large, causing undercooked centers
- Not draining grease fully
- Adding too much milk, creating a runny filling
- Uneven layering of potatoes (leads to uneven cooking)
- Not checking doneness early—ovens differ
- Skipping the resting time (casserole collapses)
- Using low-fat cheese (melts poorly and becomes greasy)
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance. You can fully assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for best results.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
FAQ
Why are my potatoes still firm after baking?
Potatoes need to be cut into small, even pieces. Larger chunks take longer to soften. Parboiling them for 5 minutes before baking helps if your oven runs cool.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. The flavors deepen as it sits, and it reheats very well.
Can I make it without canned soup?
Absolutely. A simple homemade sauce using butter, flour, milk, and broth works well.
Why is my casserole watery?
This usually comes from undrained beef fat or too much milk. Drain the beef thoroughly.
Can I substitute turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works, but expect a lighter flavor and slightly leaner texture.
How do I make it spicy?
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the mixture.
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, dependable dinner that delivers bold flavor with very little effort. The combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy, cheesy sauce makes every bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a relaxed family dinner. Because it stores and reheats so well, it’s also ideal for meal prep and leftovers. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole becomes a recipe you can rely on again and again when you need something warm, filling, and truly comforting.
Recipe Card
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups cubed potatoes (½-inch pieces)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of celery soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Brown beef fully; drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes.
- Mix beef, bacon, soups, milk, seasonings, and 1½ cups cheese.
- Spread potatoes evenly in dish.
- Spoon beef mixture over potatoes.
- Add remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake 45–55 minutes, until potatoes are tender and center is bubbly.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: ~480
Protein: ~26g
Carbohydrates: ~34g
Fat: ~28g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~680mg
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on brands, measurements, and preparation methods.
