BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

### Instructions for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

#### Step 1: Cook the Bacon
1. **Cook the bacon**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Leave a little bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

#### Step 2: Cook the Beef
2. **Brown the beef**: In the same skillet, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

3. **Add onions and garlic**: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant.

#### Step 3: Add Sauces and Seasonings
4. **Season the beef mixture**: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
5. **Prepare the casserole dish**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

6. **Layer the casserole**: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top of the cheese layer.

7. **Add tater tots**: If using tater tots, arrange them evenly on top of the casserole. This will give your dish a crispy, golden topping that mimics the comfort of a burger bun. If you’re skipping the tater tots, you can simply top the casserole with more cheese.

#### Step 5: Bake and Serve
8. **Bake the casserole**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown (if using).

9. **Serve and garnish**: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness and color, if desired. Slice and serve hot.

### Why This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Is a Winner

– **All the Best Flavors in One**: This casserole brings together the deliciousness of a cheeseburger, the smokiness of bacon, and the sweet tang of BBQ sauce, all in one convenient dish. It’s a flavor-packed meal that everyone will love.

– **Hearty and Filling**: With ground beef, bacon, cheese, and a crispy topping, this casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. It’s perfect for satisfying your hunger on a chilly evening or after a long day.

– **Kid-Friendly**: Kids love cheeseburgers, and this casserole gives them all the familiar flavors in a fun and easy-to-eat format. The tater tots add a fun twist that even picky eaters will enjoy.

– **Flexible and Customizable**: You can easily make this casserole your own by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition, or adjusting the amount of BBQ sauce for a more or less tangy dish.

### Tips for Success

– **Make it Spicy**: If you love a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture or drizzle some spicy BBQ sauce on top before baking. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the casserole for extra spice.

– **Use Your Favorite Cheese**: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick, or gouda for a smoky flavor.

– **Vegetarian Option**: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meatless burger substitute. You can still enjoy all the delicious flavors without the meat.

– **Prep Ahead**: You can make the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole and cook as directed.

### Conclusion

**BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves a classic cheeseburger with a bit of extra flair. The smoky bacon, savory beef, creamy cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce come together in a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a special occasion, or just because, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite!