Bacon cheeseburger casserole

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• For the Casserole:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Topping:
  • 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
   • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
   • Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Cook the Beef:
   • Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef.
   • Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   • Add the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cooked bacon to the beef mixture.
   • Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the beef mixture.
6. Add the Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, toss the thawed hash browns with the shredded cheddar cheese.
   • Spread the hash brown mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
7. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with chopped pickles and green onions if desired.
   • Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, perfect for a family meal!