If you’re yearning for something hearty, irresistible, and filled with those bold backyard flavors, look no further than this Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole. Imagine the sizzle of smoky bacon, juicy ground beef, and melty cheddar layered together with tangy barbecue sauce and a touch of heat. All those crowd-pleasing cheeseburger fixings—assembled into a bubbly pasta bake—come together in a dish that always brings the family running to the dinner table. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any gathering where you want empty plates and happy bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward without sacrificing flavor—every ingredient brings its own magic to this casserole. From crispy bacon to brightly colored green onions, each component has a delicious role in making the Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole a true standout.
- Ground beef: The heart of the casserole, ground beef delivers savory richness and that classic burger bite.
- Bacon, chopped: Adds crispy texture and a smoky depth that makes every forkful simply irresistible.
- Onion, diced: Softens as it cooks, sweetening the whole dish and balancing out the tangy notes.
- Garlic, minced: Just a few cloves infuse the casserole with an unmistakable aroma and subtle kick.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color that ties in perfectly with the meaty flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: For just the right balance, seasoning every layer to perfection.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that umami complexity you love in a great cheeseburger.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Give the casserole a juicy pop and a little zesty heat.
- Barbecue sauce: Sweet, smoky, and tangy—this really sets the Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole apart.
- Cooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta: Pasta soaks in all the flavors and provides a satisfying, tender backbone.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into creamy pockets and a gooey topping you just can’t wait to dig into.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and just enough tang to keep things luscious, never heavy.
- Pickles or jalapeños (optional): For a sharp, briny crunch or extra heat—make it your own!
- Green onions for garnish: A sprinkle on top brightens up the whole dish both visually and in taste.
How to Make Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large skillet and toss in the chopped bacon, cooking over medium heat until every bite is golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate—don’t forget to leave about a tablespoon of that delightful bacon fat behind in the skillet for extra flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Beef & Build the Flavor Base
Add the ground beef straight into that bacon-infused skillet. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until browned and crumbly. Next, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep cooking until the onions turn soft and fragrant, about five minutes—it’s where the magic happens!
Step 3: Stir in the Saucy Ingredients
Once your beef and onion mixture is sizzling, pour in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and barbecue sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and bubbling gently. Take a moment to breathe in those smoky, tangy aromas, then remove the skillet from heat so you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Mix and Layer
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, sour cream, and half of the cooked bacon. Stir until everything’s beautifully blended—each bite should get a bit of everything!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour your glorious mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon evenly on top for that drool-worthy finish. Slide it into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the cheese is irresistibly melted and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is out of the oven, top it off with chopped pickles or spicy jalapeños, and a handful of green onions for a fresh crunch. Serve it up while it’s hot and watch those dinner plates disappear!
How to Serve Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole
Garnishes
Don’t skip the final flourish—scattering pickles, jalapeños, or fresh green onions brings an eye-catching pop and balances all the richness in the casserole. You can even add a drizzle of barbecue sauce or a sprinkling of crispy fried onions for a bit of drama and crunch!
Side Dishes
This casserole is practically a meal in itself, but a simple green salad or a tray of roasted veggies on the side helps lighten things up. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, whip up some cornbread or a basket of warm, buttery rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give your Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic look. For parties, cut it into squares and offer them as sliders with extra pickles and barbecue sauce on the side—it’s a guaranteed hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Simply transfer any extra casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days—it’ll reheat wonderfully for a speedy lunch or weeknight dinner treat.
Freezing
This casserole is also a freezer-friendly superstar. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months, perfect for meal prepping or those unexpected busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly—about 20 to 25 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved in a pinch, just add a tiny splash of milk to keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I make Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole right up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time if needed.
Can I swap the pasta for something else?
Yes, you can! If you’d like a fun twist, try tater tots for a crispy top. You can also go with penne, shells, or even cooked rice—each lends a slightly different vibe but works deliciously in this Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole.
What’s the best way to make it spicy?
If you like a bit of a kick, swap in hot pickled jalapeños, add a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle chipotle powder into the beef mixture for a smoky heat. Adjust the spice to match your personal preference!
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Certainly! Both ground turkey and chicken are tasty lean alternatives and absorb all that barbecue flavor beautifully. Just be sure to season a bit more generously, since they’re milder than beef.
How do I keep the casserole from getting too dry?
Be sure to use the full amount of barbecue sauce and sour cream for maximum creaminess. If you notice the mixture seems a little dry before baking, you can stir in a splash of milk or extra sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is one of those magical, everyone-grab-a-fork kind of meals that always delivers comfort and big flavor. Whether you’re sharing it with family or friends, watch everyone go back for seconds—and don’t be surprised when folks ask for the recipe. Give it a try tonight and discover just how satisfying and fun homemade comfort food can be!
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Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic cheeseburger, featuring ground beef, bacon, cheese, and pasta all baked together for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles or jalapeños (optional)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in the skillet. Add onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in tomatoes and barbecue sauce. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix pasta with beef mixture, 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, and half the bacon. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake: Top with remaining cheese and bacon. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with pickles or jalapeños and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Try using tater tots instead of pasta for a different twist.
- For extra heat, add hot sauce or chipotle powder to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
