A fun and flavorful twist on classic comfort food! This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake combines the ease of ramen noodles with the irresistible flavors of a bacon cheeseburger. It’s a cheesy, savory, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped, plus extra for topping
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 packs beef-flavored ramen noodles (seasoning packets reserved)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil ramen noodles for 2 minutes (just until slightly softened, not fully cooked). Drain and set aside. Discard 2 of the seasoning packets, keep 1.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Bacon
In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving some bacon grease if desired.
In the same skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain grease. Stir in 1 reserved ramen seasoning packet, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine cheddar soup, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked ramen noodles, beef mixture, bacon, and creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure all the noodles are coated. Spread evenly in the dish.
Step 5: Top & Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra bacon pieces, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s a fun and unexpected combination of flavors that’s sure to please.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or protein.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the familiar flavors of bacon cheeseburgers in a fun noodle form.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
- Pair with your favorite burger toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or pickles.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the ramen noodles, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- If you don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup, you can substitute it with a homemade cheese sauce.
- To prevent the top from browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Conclusion:
This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake is a delicious and easy way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this fun and flavorful twist on a classic!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a smoky Gouda would be great additions.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q3: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the beef mixture.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
