Bacon Cheese Burger Noodle Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Bake:

• 12 ounces egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Beef and Bacon Mixture:

   • In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
   • In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
   • Add the cooked beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and cooked noodles to the bowl. Stir until evenly coated with the sauce.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

5. Bake:

   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy ground sausage instead of beef.
• Alternative Cheeses: Try gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for a twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the soup is gluten-free.

This dish stores well! Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs for Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the noodle bake up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.

2. Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or make a homemade version by creating a roux with butter, flour, and milk or cream, then seasoning it to taste.

4. What pasta works best for this dish?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can substitute with any short pasta, like penne, rotini, or bowties. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy during baking.

5. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative to ground beef. You can also mix it with ground sausage for added flavor.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?

For the best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be sautéed with the ground beef for added flavor and nutrients.

8. How do I make this dish spicier?

To give the bake a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or substitute pepper jack cheese for part of the cheddar.

9. What cheeses work best in this recipe?

Cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella, gouda, Colby jack, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

10. How do I prevent the dish from drying out?

Ensure the sauce mixture fully coats the noodles and meat. If the casserole seems dry before baking, stir in a splash of milk or beef broth for extra moisture.

11. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free condensed soups.

12. Can I omit the bacon?

Of course! If you prefer a bacon-free version, you can skip it or substitute with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake! 🍔🥓
Feel free to ask more questions or adapt the recipe to suit your preferences!