Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American Fusion

• Servings: 6

• Intensity: Easy – This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and weeknight warriors. It involves simple techniques like browning meat, boiling noodles, and assembling a bake. No advanced culinary skills are required!

---

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan

• Large pot for boiling noodles

• 9×13 inch baking dish

• Colander

• Mixing bowls

• Aluminum foil

---

Ingredients

For the Bake Base:

• 6 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)

• 12 oz bacon, chopped

• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping & Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• Sliced dill pickles, for serving

• Diced tomatoes, for serving

• Shredded iceberg lettuce, for serving

• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• Thinly sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Components

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of butter or non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Bacon: In your large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

3. Boil the Noodles: While the bacon cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets) and cook for only 2-3 minutes, just until they start to break apart. You want them very al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain immediately and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

1. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. To the beef and onion mixture, add the beef broth, cheddar cheese soup, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. Combine Noodles and Sauce: In the prepared baking dish, combine the par-cooked ramen noodles and the beef sauce. Toss gently until every noodle is coated in the savory sauce.

2. Add Bacon and Cheese: Stir in the cooked bacon and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for the top. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.

3. Top it Off: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the entire 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the noodles to fully cook and absorb the sauce without the top burning.

2. Crisp the Top: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Rest: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion.

2. Garnish and Customize: Serve generous portions in bowls. Top each serving with a handful of crisp shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomato, a few slices of dill pickle, and a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds if desired. This is where you make it your own!

---

Nutrition Information

Please note: The following is an estimated nutritional calculation. Actual values will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (without optional toppings)
Calories: ~780
Total Fat: 48g

• Saturated Fat: 22g

• Trans Fat: 1g
  Cholesterol: 135mg
  Sodium: ~1150mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 45g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 38g

A Note on Nutrition: This is a rich, indulgent dish. To lighten it up, you can use lean ground beef (90/10), turkey bacon, and low-fat cheese. The sodium level is high due to the bacon, broth, and soup; using low-sodium versions of these ingredients can help manage this.

---

The Last of the Recipe: Tips, Tricks, and Storage

This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake is wonderfully versatile and makes for fantastic leftovers.

Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the entire bake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, re-cover with the foil, and bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

Storing Leftovers: Allow the bake to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat:

• Oven/Method (Best for Crispiness): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion in an oven-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water or broth to keep it moist, and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

• Microwave Method (Quickest): Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel to trap steam and prevent the noodles from drying out. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Can You Freeze It? Yes, but with a caveat. The texture of the noodles can become a bit softer upon reheating. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store the entire cooled bake in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven method above.