Loaded Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Supreme

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Supreme! 🤤🍔🧀

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced avocado, sour cream

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain off excess fat.
• Cook bacon in the same skillet until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
• Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened.
• Stir in BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the meat mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
• Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve hot with optional toppings.

Popular questions:

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
• Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version? Absolutely, the dish will still be delicious without bacon.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, leftovers can be frozen and reheated for later consumption.
• Is this dish spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by choosing a mild or spicy BBQ sauce.
• How long will leftovers last in the fridge? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I add additional vegetables? Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables like corn or mushrooms.
• Can I use different types of beans? Yes, you can swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans if preferred.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.

Helpful tips:

• For extra flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to find your favorite combination.
• Add a layer of sliced pickles for a tangy twist on the classic cheeseburger taste.
• Serve the casserole with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Use leftover pulled pork instead of ground beef for a unique twist on this recipe.
• Try mixing in some cooked and crumbled sausage for an even heartier dish.
• Use a cast-iron skillet to give the casserole a delicious crispy bottom layer.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to suit your taste preferences.

Expert Secrets:

• Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Cook the macaroni al dente to prevent it from getting mushy in the casserole.
• Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
• Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
• Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a richer taste profile.
• Finish the casserole under the broiler for a crispy and golden cheese topping.
• Try adding a dollop of cream cheese to the meat mixture for added creaminess.
• Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.