If you’re craving the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger wrapped inside the gooey, melty bliss of grilled cheese, then this Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole is about to become your new obsession. This dish merges two iconic American comfort foods — a juicy bacon cheeseburger and a buttery grilled cheese sandwich — into a single irresistible baked casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, potlucks, or a cozy weekend indulgence.
This recipe brings together all the flavors you want: seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, buttery toast, and a flavor-packed sauce that mimics the best parts of a diner-style cheeseburger. It’s incredibly easy to put together, uses basic ingredients, and delivers a crowd-pleasing dish every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is:
Cheesy — packed with cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate melt.
Crunchy and buttery — thanks to the grilled cheese-style toast cubes.
Savory & smoky — the bacon and beef add amazing depth.
Easy to make — everything cooks in a single skillet and one baking dish.
Perfect for leftovers — reheats beautifully without losing quality.
Customizable — add pickles, jalapeños, mustard, or even fries!
This is comfort food at its finest — familiar, nostalgic, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
For the Beef & Bacon Mixture
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup tomato sauce OR crushed tomatoes
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
¼ cup beef broth or water
For the Grilled Cheese Bread Cubes
12 slices white or brioche bread
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for the bread layer)
For the Cheese Topping
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Optional: ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Burger-Style Add-Ins
Pickles
Jalapeños
Crushed red pepper
A drizzle of burger sauce
Sliced tomatoes (added after baking)
Shredded lettuce (added after baking)
How to Prepare the Recipe — Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is the full preparation method with clear, easy-to-follow steps.
STEP 1 — Prepare the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
STEP 2 — Cook the Beef Mixture
Add diced onion to the hot bacon fat.
Cook 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
Season with:
Salt
Pepper
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
STEP 3 — Add Sauces & Flavor
Stir in:
Worcestershire sauce
Tomato sauce
Ketchup
Mustard
Beef broth
Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
Stir in the cooked crumbled bacon.
STEP 4 — Prepare the Grilled Cheese Bread Cubes
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese between two slices to form a sandwich.
Repeat until all slices are used.
Toast each sandwich lightly in a skillet until golden on the outside.
Cut each grilled cheese sandwich into cubes (about 1–2-inch pieces).
STEP 5 — Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add half the grilled cheese cubes to the bottom of the dish.
Pour the beef mixture evenly on top.
Sprinkle a layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Add the remaining grilled cheese cubes on top.
Top with the remaining cheese blend.
STEP 6 — Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with any of the following to complete the “burger experience”:
Dill pickles
A drizzle of burger sauce
A side of fries
Onion rings
Fresh salad
Coleslaw
Extra bacon bits on top
It’s also delicious with ketchup, spicy mayo, mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips for the BEST Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole
✔ Use brioche or thick white bread
This gives the grilled cheese cubes a soft interior and crispy exterior.
✔ Don’t skip toasting the bread
It prevents sogginess during baking.
✔ Add cheese inside AND on top
This guarantees gooey pockets throughout the casserole.
✔ Let the casserole rest
Giving it 5–10 minutes to settle before slicing helps it keep its shape.
✔ Add pickles after baking
If added too early, they become mushy.
Variations & Customizations
1. Spicy Version
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
2. Deluxe Burger Version
Add sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.
3. Low-Carb Version
Replace bread cubes with:
Cauliflower florets
Zucchini slices
Low-carb bread
4. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce.
How to Store & Reheat
Store
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes
Air fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes
Microwave: 1–2 minutes
Oven or air fryer works best to maintain crispiness.
Calories
Approximate calories per serving:
👉 580–650 calories, depending on bread and cheese type.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Casserole is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger and buttery grilled cheese, baked into one incredible dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a decadent dinner, this casserole hits all the right notes: crispy, cheesy, savory, smoky, and ultra-comforting.
