Description
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Packed with seasoned beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, BBQ sauce, pasta, and crispy fried onions, it’s baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving something bold, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow works best)
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1 cup BBQ sauce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
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Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Add Bacon & Sauce: Stir in crumbled bacon and BBQ sauce. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
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Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything until well combined and evenly coated.
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Layer & Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
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Top & Finish: Add crispy fried onions on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot!
Notes
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Feel free to swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
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Gluten-free pasta and BBQ sauce make this recipe easy to adapt for dietary needs.
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Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a spicy kick!
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Want it extra cheesy? Add more shredded cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, cheesy pasta bake, bacon BBQ casserole