Bacon Cheeseburger (Stove-Top) Casserole

Karen=^..^='s Note:

Who doesn't like bacon cheeseburgers? This is sooooo good and family friendly. PLUS, it's a whole meal in one pot! All 4 of my kids love it, as do me and my husband. It is kind of like "glorified hamburger helper" but you can tell it is from scratch! It's also quick and easy :) This recipe will serve 8, so you may want to half it for a smaller family...however, you probably will wish you hadn't because you will want leftovers!

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 lb uncooked pasta (rotini, rotelle, penne, small "or" medium shells, elbow) or 12 ounces egg noodles
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 lb bacon
• 1 small onions, chopped fine or 2 tablespoons minced dried onion
• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
• 1 -2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (I don't suggest using a milder cheese) or 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (I don't suggest using a milder cheese)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta in salted water, drain, rinse and set aside.
2. Cook bacon in microwave or frying pan until crisp and set aside.
3. In a large skillet or deep fryer pan (I use a 12" diam. chicken fryer), brown ground beef and onion over medium heat.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (I do this while my bacon is in the microwave and my pasta is cooking).
5. Drain any grease from beef.
6. Crumble bacon into beef and onion mixture.
7. Add tomato soup and let simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Add pasta and stir until coated and combined well.
9. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and cover.
10. Simmer for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
11. Serve right out of the pan.
12. Enjoy!
13. (You may choose to 1/2 this recipe--we have a big family!).

Reviews

[Karen=^..^=]

Make sure you use the salt generously, at least a teaspoon sprinkled on the meat while frying...also, sharp or extra sharp cheddar is a must, mild does not have a lot of flavor. Another thing that would make this taste bland is not using salted water to cook the pasta. We usually have this a couple times a month and we all LOVE it...no one ever thinks it is bland; that is why I am posting the above suggestions.

[Evie*]

I modified this recipe for 4 servings and added a few chilli flakes. We loved it, especially my teenage son, and if he cleans his plate then Im happy! Thanks for posting a tasty family meal. =)

[DiAnna2]

This recipe has potential, but needed something to add flavor. I even added some Tobasco but that wasn't enough to spice it up. I also reduced the amount of pasta because the full amuont seemed overwhelming for the meat mixture. Maybe adding chili powder, garlic or mustard would help?? Three stars for "potential".