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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Easy Cozy Comfort Food with Crispy Fries

loaded bacon cheeseburger casserole - featured image

A hearty and comforting casserole layered with ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy crinkle-cut fries. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
  • 4 cups (600g) frozen crinkle-cut fries, partially cooked or ready to bake
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons pickle relish (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop into bite-sized pieces. Leave a bit of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Break apart and cook until no longer pink, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Transfer the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle chopped crispy bacon over the beef layer, then cover with shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Spread frozen crinkle-cut fries evenly over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until fries are golden and crispy and cheese is bubbly and melted.
  10. Optional: For extra melty cheese, add more cheddar on top during the last 5 minutes or broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions or sour cream if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Partially bake fries for 5 minutes before layering if they are very thick or icy to prevent sogginess. Use quality sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and melt. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to ensure proper browning. Adjust seasoning to taste before layering. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain crispiness of fries.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger casserole, loaded casserole, comfort food, crispy fries, easy dinner, ground beef casserole