If you’re a fan of creative comfort food, you’re in for a treat! Imagine combining the juicy, cheesy flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the nostalgic warmth of ramen noodles baked into a cheesy casserole. That’s exactly what the Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake delivers—crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and tender ramen all baked together into a hearty, indulgent dish.
This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, potluck star, or game-day meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know: the ingredient breakdown, step-by-step instructions, preparation and cooking times, variations, serving suggestions, storage tips, and a full calorie breakdown. Let’s dive into this irresistible fusion dish!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 generous portions
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
For the Base:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for more flavor, or lean if preferred)
- 1 packet ramen noodles (3 oz / 85 g, discard seasoning packet)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 (10.5 oz / 300 g) can condensed cheddar cheese soup (or cream of cheddar)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips or bread crumbs
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet with reserved bacon grease, add ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Ramen
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet).
- Cook for just 2 minutes—the noodles should be slightly undercooked since they will finish baking in the oven.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together condensed cheddar soup, sour cream, and milk.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until combined.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles, ground beef mixture, and half of the bacon.
- Mix everything together until evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the beef-and-noodle mixture evenly into the dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add crushed tortilla chips or bread crumbs for a crunchy layer.
- Finish with remaining bacon crumbles.
Step 6: Bake & Serve
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve warm with a side salad, garlic bread, or pickles.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Cheeseburger Style: Serve with dill pickles and ketchup/mustard drizzle.
- Spicy Twist: Add pickled jalapeños and hot sauce on top.
- Fresh Balance: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Party Platter: Cut into squares for a fun finger-food option.
Variations & Customizations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Try these fun twists:
- Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with salsa.
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Bake: Swap ketchup with BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness.
- Buffalo Ranch Bake: Mix in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a zesty kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Use meatless ground beef and veggie bacon.
- Breakfast Style: Swap beef for sausage, add scrambled eggs, and top with hash browns.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook ramen: Keep them slightly firm before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Cheese choice matters: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, while mozzarella makes it gooier.
- Crispy topping hack: For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Make ahead: Assemble the bake in the morning, refrigerate, and bake before dinner.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 5 g
(Nutrition will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)