Lu-Ann Simon January 7, 2026

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Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Juicy Bliss!

Name: Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Juicy Bliss!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped; 1 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup crushed garlic croutons; 2 tbsp melted butter

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A warm, cheesy scent fills the kitchen as you pull a golden casserole from the oven, bubbling cheese stretching with each spoonful, and crisp bits of turkey bacon adding smoky crunch. This Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Juicy Bliss! is the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary weeknight into a cozy celebration, and it also feeds a hungry crowd at potlucks and casual gatherings. If you love creamy garlic flavors, try the slow and comforting crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta for another hands-off weeknight dinner.

What Makes This Special

This casserole brings together every element you crave in a cheeseburger, with the ease of a one-dish bake. Ground beef simmers with savory garlic and onions in a creamy, Parmesan-laced sauce, while shredded cheddar and mozzarella melt into gooey ribbons that bind everything together. Chopped turkey bacon adds that familiar smoky crunch, while a buttery garlic crouton topping gives a satisfying contrast in texture.

Why it stands out

Brave comfort, made weeknight simple
Cheesy, creamy filling with a crunchy topping
Family friendly, easy to scale up for crowds

The flavor profile is familiar and nostalgic, but the casserole format keeps it relaxed and practical. It browns at the edges, looks golden on top, and has a warm garlicky aroma that invites everyone to the table.

What You’ll Need

Start with pantry-friendly staples and a few fresh items for the best results. The cream and cheeses make the casserole rich and silky, the Worcestershire sauce gives depth, and the crushed garlic croutons add a buttery, crunchy finish. For a lighter twist, swap in turkey bacon for a leaner, slightly milder crunch without losing that smoky note.

For the Casserole:
1 lb ground beef
6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:
1 cup crushed garlic croutons
2 tbsp melted butter

Optional notes

Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for balanced flavor.
If you prefer lower fat, use 90 percent lean ground beef, though cooking times and texture will vary slightly.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Juicy Bliss!

Preheat your oven to 350°F, so the oven will be ready to transform the casserole into a bubbling, golden finish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes, listen for the satisfying crackle and watch the edges turn deeply golden. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered flavor in the pan.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, and drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, until the kitchen smells sweet and savory and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper, mixing well so the cream loosens the pan bits into a silky sauce.
Remove from heat and fold in the cooked turkey bacon and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheeses begin to melt into the warm beef, creating a creamy texture.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly, smoothing the surface so the topping will sit nicely.
In a small bowl, combine crushed croutons with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole, then top with the remaining cheese, creating a layered contrast of gooey cheese and crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the topping is toasted to a deep, inviting color.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving, so the casserole sets slightly and slices hold together, and take a moment to enjoy the steamy, garlicky aroma.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 30 minutes, Total ~ 45 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 700 per serving

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can prepare most of this casserole ahead to make dinnertime effortless. Brown the ground beef and cook the turkey bacon up to 24 hours in advance, store them separately in airtight containers, and keep the diced onions and minced garlic ready in the fridge. Mix the beef, cream, and cheeses, then transfer the mixture to the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you want to freeze a fully assembled casserole for future use, cover the dish twice with foil and freeze for up to 3 months, but for best texture, add the crouton topping just before baking from frozen. When ready to bake from refrigerated, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is cold.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or keep slices in the baking dish covered with foil in the fridge for the same time. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, or freeze the whole casserole covered well, for up to 3 months.

To reheat from the fridge, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm covered portions for 12 to 18 minutes until hot through, or microwave single servings on medium power in 1 minute bursts until steaming. From frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake covered at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, removing the cover for the last 10 minutes to refresh the topping. A freshness cue to look for is bright cheese color and a clean, savory aroma, if the dish smells off or develops an unusual texture, discard it.

Perfect Pairings

Crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a bright, acidic balance
Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans with olive oil and cracked pepper
Classic coleslaw for cool crunch and tang
Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to mop up the creamy sauce
Pickles or a sharp mustard on the side for contrast to the richness

Make It Your Own

Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner casserole, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Add chopped pickles and a squirt of ketchup for a more literal cheeseburger flavor profile.
Stir in sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables and texture.
Use a blend of smoked mozzarella and provolone for a deeper, slightly smoky cheese character.
Mix in a cup of cooked pasta or mashed potatoes to stretch the dish and turn it into a heartier bake.
Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick, or a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth.
For a lower-carb version, replace the crouton topping with toasted almond flour mixed with melted butter for a nutty crunch.
Try sharp white cheddar instead of mild for bolder cheeseburger notes.

In one of our similar twists, savory fans might enjoy these garlic butter beef cheeseburger rollups, which pair the same burger flavors with a hand-held format, see the recipe for inspiration at garlic butter beef cheeseburger rollups.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Brown the ground beef in batches if needed, do not crowd the pan, so it browns evenly and develops flavor.
Save a bit of bacon fat in the pan after cooking turkey bacon to build extra savory depth when you add the onions.
Keep the cream warm when adding it to the pan to prevent the sauce from seizing, warm cream blends more smoothly.
Press the crouton topping gently so it adheres, but do not compact it too much, aim for a loose, crunchy layer.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, it firms up and slices cleanly.
Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating from cold, this keeps food safety in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half and half for a lighter finish, or mix whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, though the texture will be slightly less rich. For a tangier layer, a dollop of sour cream can be stirred in after the dish is off the heat.

Can I make this casserole gluten free?
Yes, swap the garlic croutons for gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten free crackers, and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten free. Use corn-based crackers or a nut topping if you prefer a crunchy contrast.

How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?
Make sure the filling is not overly watery before adding the topping, drain excess liquid after cooking the beef if necessary, and toast the crouton topping lightly before sprinkling if you expect extra moisture. Baking uncovered for the last 5 to 10 minutes encourages the topping to crisp.

Is turkey bacon a good substitute for classic bacon here?
Yes, turkey bacon provides that smoky, savory crunch with less fat, and it holds up well when cooked and folded into the creamy filling. Mentioning the swap up front helps readers choose the leaner option with confidence.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a large roasting pan, or use two 9 by 13 dishes. Increase baking time slightly if the casserole is deeper, watch for bubbling cheese and a golden topping as indicators of doneness.

How long will leftovers keep in the freezer?
Properly wrapped, leftovers will keep well for about 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, then reheat until steaming hot throughout.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Juicy Bliss! brings the comfort of a cheeseburger to your oven, with a creamy, garlicky sauce, melty cheeses, and a satisfying crunchy top. Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch without losing the familiar smoky bite, and enjoy how easily this dish becomes a weeknight hero or a potluck favorite. Make it soon, invite people over, and let the bubbly, golden casserole do the inviting.

Garlic Parmesan Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Juicy Bliss!

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 45
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A warm and cheesy casserole combining ground beef, turkey bacon, and creamy garlic flavors for a comforting weeknight meal.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix well.
Remove from heat and fold in the turkey bacon and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine crushed croutons with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.