If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your appetite, this Cheesy Beef and Bacon Bake is the perfect dish to try. Combining the rich, savory goodness of ground beef with crispy bacon and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a dish to impress guests, or just want to enjoy a tasty meal with minimal effort, this bake is incredibly easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Serve it up with a side of greens or crusty bread for a complete meal your family will love!
Ingredients:
- For the Beef and Bacon Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon and Beef:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Cheesy Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or half-and-half), eggs, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Assemble the Bake:
- Transfer the beef and bacon mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour the cheesy egg mixture over the beef, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Top with the crispy bacon pieces.
5. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheesy topping to set.
Tips for Success:
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, you can add some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture.
- Make it Spicy: Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months. Simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Enjoy this cheesy, savory delight as a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat!
