Cheesy Beef and Bacon Casserole

Sure! Here’s a cheesy, savory Beef and Bacon Casserole recipe that’s perfect for a comforting meal. It’s packed with rich flavors from the beef and bacon, melted cheese, and a few simple seasonings to tie it all together. Perfect for a cozy dinner or even meal prep!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Brown the ground beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef to the bacon grease and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  5. Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked beef and onion mixture, sour cream, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy mixture.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top, then sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top of the cheese.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Garnish and serve: After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

     Tips:

     • If you’re looking for extra flavor, you can add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the casserole mixture.
     • For a bit of spice, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients.

     This cheesy beef and bacon casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s easy to make, comforting, and packed with flavor. Enjoy!