Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven:
Set your oven to 400F so it is fully hot when your casserole goes in. Preheating ensures the bread browns perfectly and the cheese bubbles.
Brown the Beef:
Cook ground beef in a large frying pan over medium-high heat with a dab of butter or margarine. Break it up as it cooks so you get an even crumble. Once browned drain off any excess grease so your casserole does not get soggy.
Add the Onions:
Sprinkle diced onions into the pan with beef. Stir and let them cook together for a few minutes. The goal is to soften the onion so it loses harshness but keeps a little bite.
Mix in Flavorings:
Take the pan off the heat. Blend in bacon bits mayo ketchup mustard salt pepper and onion powder. Stir until every bit of meat is coated and glistening with flavor.
Prep the Bread Base:
Take six slices of bread and spread one side with margarine. Cut each slice in half. Lay these pieces margarine side down in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish so they cover the bottom.
Add First Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle half your shredded cheese over the bread. This shields the bread from moisture and adds gooeyness to the base.
Layer in the Meat:
Spoon your beef mixture over the cheese and spread it out evenly to the edges.
Top with More Cheese:
Scatter the rest of the shredded cheese over the meat so every slice gets a cheddary mozzarella pull.
Finish with the Top Bread:
Take the last six slices of bread butter one side of each and cut them in half. Layer these on as the casserole's lid margarine side up to encourage golden browning.
Bake to Perfection:
Slide your casserole into the hot oven. Bake for about twenty to twenty four minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
You Must Know
- This casserole reheats beautifully for leftovers
- High in protein thanks to beef bacon and cheese
- Freezer friendly if you want to make ahead
My favorite part has to be the top layer of bread that crisps up so perfectly it reminds me of a great grilled cheese. Once my nephew declared this dish was better than any cheeseburger after a weekend sleepover and now he requests it for every family visit.
Storage Tips
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