Loaded Cowboy BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Supreme
This hearty, cheesy, and smoky casserole is perfect for satisfying cravings. A combination of ground beef, pasta, turkey bacon, and a BBQ-cheeseburger flavor makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the main dish:
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
For the sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (warm)
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Turkey Bacon
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Cook turkey bacon slices until crispy. Remove, let cool, and crumble them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add 1/2 cup BBQ sauce to the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and ground beef mixture in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Layer and Add Toppings
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
Evenly distribute the crumbled turkey bacon over the cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
