It was one of those Saturdays when the fridge was half-full, and the cravings were fully loaded. Something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying was calling — the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table fast.
I spotted a bag of potatoes, some ground beef, a bit of bacon leftover from breakfast, and the last of the shredded cheese. That was all the inspiration I needed. I started layering flavors like you would with a classic cheeseburger — seasoned beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar — but instead of buns, I used golden, roasted potatoes. The result? This baked masterpiece that’s now requested almost weekly at our house.
It’s like the best of both worlds: all the goodness of a loaded burger, cozying up with cheesy, oven-roasted potatoes. You can top it off just like a burger too — think pickles, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of burger sauce. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or game-day gathering, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Short Description
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger and Potato Bake is a hearty, layered casserole packed with seasoned beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and tender roasted potatoes — all the classic burger flavors baked into one comforting dish.
Key Ingredients
- 1½ lbs baby or russet potatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Burger Toppings for Garnish:
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickles
- Ketchup or burger sauce
- Lettuce (add after baking)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Foil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Roast the potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Step 2: Cook the beef
While potatoes roast, brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease. Add garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, beef mixture, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Mix gently.
Step 4: Bake it up
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with an extra layer of shredded cheddar. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with green onions, chopped pickles, or other favorite burger toppings. Serve warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s like a cheeseburger in a casserole dish
– Easy to customize with your favorite burger toppings
– Crowd-friendly and perfect for potlucks or game day
– One-dish meal with tons of flavor
– Reheats well for leftovers
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Undercooked potatoes
→ Solution: Dice them evenly and roast until golden before adding to the bake.
2. Greasy casserole
→ Solution: Always drain excess fat from the beef before mixing.
3. Dry bake
→ Solution: Sour cream and cheese help keep everything creamy — don’t skip them!
4. Overcooked cheese topping
→ Solution: Bake with foil, then remove at the end just to brown the top.
5. Lack of flavor
→ Solution: Don’t be shy with seasoning. Add garlic, Worcestershire, and even hot sauce if desired.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve with a simple side salad or coleslaw
– Pair with iced tea, root beer, or cold lemonade
– Add burger-style condiments on the side (ketchup, mustard, burger sauce)
– Great with corn on the cob, baked beans, or grilled veggies on the side
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat in oven: Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15–20 minutes.
Reheat in microwave: Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen potatoes or hash browns?
Yes! Just make sure they’re cooked through before baking.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 10 minutes to baking time.
3. What other cheese works well?
Try Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar blend.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
5. Is it gluten-free?
Yes — just be sure your Worcestershire sauce and toppings are certified gluten-free.
Tips & Tricks
– Use a food chopper for quick, even potato dice
– Add a spoonful of mustard or relish into the beef for extra burger flavor
– Top with crispy onion strings for extra crunch
– Stir in chopped tomatoes before baking for added juiciness
– For a low-carb version, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets
Recipe Variations
1. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Bake
Swap Worcestershire with BBQ sauce and add caramelized onions.
2. Tex-Mex Cheeseburger Bake
Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with jalapeños and salsa.
3. Veggie-Loaded
Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
4. Breakfast-Style Version
Use breakfast sausage instead of beef, add scrambled eggs, and top with extra cheese.
5. Keto Version
Use roasted cauliflower instead of potatoes and skip the crackers or breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger and Potato Bake brings serious comfort and big flavor in one easy dish. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into something exciting — warm, hearty, and totally family-approved. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to share, it’ll always be a hit.