Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake combines two comfort food favorites into one incredible weeknight dinner. It’s a quick, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort. If you love easy recipes like this, you might also enjoy the Best Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
This savory bacon cheeseburger ramen noodle bake combines the comforting flavors of a classic burger with the satisfying texture of ramen noodles, creating a rich and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners.
- 1 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 (3-ounce) packages beef-flavored ramen noodles
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Timing
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 30 minutes |
Context: This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake comes together about 25% faster than similar casserole recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Bacon
Cook 6 slices of bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
For extra flavor, chop the bacon before cooking so it crisps evenly and renders more fat for cooking the beef.
Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains—about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season the beef with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste while it cooks for a flavorful base.
Step 3 — Cook the Ramen Noodles
Break 3 packages of ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets or save for another use) into the skillet with the beef. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender, about 3–4 minutes. The liquid will reduce slightly but should still be saucy.
Step 4 — Add Creamy Elements
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of cream cheese until melted and creamy. For a smoother sauce, let cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding.
Mix in ¼ cup of ketchup and 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard to mimic classic cheeseburger flavors.
Step 5 — Top with Cheese and Bacon
Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the noodle mixture. Top evenly with an additional 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
For extra browning, use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, which melts beautifully.
Step 6 — Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish before topping and baking.
Step 7 — Add Burger Toppings
Remove the Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickle slices for freshness and crunch.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 580 |
Protein | 28g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fat | 32g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 1420mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Turkey bacon — Offers a leaner protein option while maintaining smoky flavor.
- Ground turkey or chicken — Provides lighter protein with similar texture to ground beef.
- Zucchini noodles — Creates a low-carb alternative that absorbs the cheeseburger flavors well.
- Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese — Delivers cheesy flavor without dairy for lactose-free diets.
- Brown rice ramen — Offers whole grain benefits and gluten-free option.
- Low-sodium broth — Reduces salt content while maintaining savory base.
- Greek yogurt instead of creamy sauces — Adds protein and tang while cutting calories.
- Portobello mushrooms — Provides meaty texture for vegetarian bacon cheeseburger ramen noodle bake variations.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans to balance the richness of the Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake.
- Serve alongside classic burger accompaniments such as dill pickle spears, crispy onion rings, or sweet potato fries.
- Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or potluck events where comfort food is the star.
- For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins.
- Top with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
- Great for feeding a crowd—double the recipe in a large casserole dish for parties or family reunions.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake is versatile enough for both cozy family meals and social occasions, delivering all the beloved flavors in one satisfying dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overcooking the ramen noodles before baking. Fix: Only boil them for 2-3 minutes so they finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy.
- Mistake: Using lean ground beef which can dry out. Fix: Opt for 80/20 ground beef to keep your Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake juicy and flavorful.
- Mistake: Not rendering bacon fat fully before cooking. Fix: Cook bacon until crisp and use the rendered fat to sauté your aromatics for a deeper flavor base.
- Mistake: Adding all the cheese at once. Fix: Reserve half of the cheese to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a perfectly melted, golden finish.
- Mistake: Skipping the seasoning packet from the ramen. Fix: Incorporate the seasoning into your meat mixture to evenly distribute that iconic savory flavor throughout the bake.
- Mistake: Using a baking dish that’s too deep. Fix: Choose a wide, shallow casserole dish to ensure even heat distribution and desirable crispy edges.
- Mistake: Forgetting to create a creamy binder. Fix: Mix in a can of condensed soup or a sour cream mixture to help all ingredients cohesively bind together.
- Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: Bake at 375°F (190°C) to gently cook through without burning the cheese or drying out the noodles.
- Mistake: Not letting the bake rest before serving. Fix: Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking so the layers set for cleaner slices.
- Mistake: Overloading with too many mix-ins. Fix: Stick to classic cheeseburger toppings like pickles, onions, and tomatoes to maintain balance and prevent a soggy outcome.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or microwave in 60-second intervals until hot.
Always allow your Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and quality.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup, ready in no time. We hope you love this creative dinner idea! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For more easy recipes, check out our Ultimate Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe and Easy Caramel Pecan Turtle Bars Ready in 30 Minutes. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and delicious meals!
PrintCheeseburger Ramen Casserole
A tasty way to transform budget-friendly ramen noodles into an extraordinary family favorite dish, combining ground beef, onions, and cheddar cheese in a comforting casserole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 (3-ounce) packages beef-flavored ramen noodles
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over high heat, sauté beef and onion for 6-8 minutes, or until browned.
- Stir in water and seasoning packets from noodle packages, and bring to a boil.
- Add noodles and cook for 3 minutes, or until soft and water is almost gone.
- Remove from heat and stir in ketchup, mustard, and relish.
- Pour into baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Notes
This casserole is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with ramen noodles. For variation, try adding cooked bacon or swapping cheddar for your favorite cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 1200
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 110
FAQs
Can I make this Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge. This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake is great for meal prep.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
We recommend using shredded cheddar or a American cheese for that classic cheeseburger flavor. These cheeses melt smoothly and blend well with the other ingredients in the Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just cook your chosen protein thoroughly before mixing it into the bake. The flavors will still work wonderfully in this comforting dish.