Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Bake (Print Version)

Noodles, ground beef, bacon, and cheese combine in a savory, creamy, and crispy one-pan baked meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor, or lean type)
02 - 1 packet ramen noodles (3 ounces, seasoning discarded)
03 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 6 slices bacon, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
07 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
08 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Creamy Sauce

12 - 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 ounces)
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream
14 - 1/2 cup whole milk
15 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Topping

17 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or bread crumbs
19 - 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
20 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, optional for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
02 - Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes, until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes, leaving them slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until well-combined. Fold in the cooked ramen noodles, beef mixture, and half of the bacon. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the noodle mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add crushed tortilla chips or bread crumbs as a crunchy layer and finish with remaining bacon crumbles.
06 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Slightly undercook the ramen to prevent sogginess during baking.
02 - For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese.
03 - Allowing the bake to rest after oven time ensures clean slices when serving.