Comforting casserole layers bacon, beef, pickles, and cheese for a tangy, hearty meal any night.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
02 - 6 slices bacon, chopped
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup dill pickles, chopped, plus extra for garnish
→ Sauces & Condiments
06 - 1/4 cup ketchup
07 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
08 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ Dairy
10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
11 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
→ Pantry
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Optional Toppings
17 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
18 - 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
19 - Additional chopped dill pickles
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet, discarding excess.
03 - Add olive oil to the skillet. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
04 - Add ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat as needed.
05 - Stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and heavy cream to the pan, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
07 - Add half the shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup chopped dill pickles. Stir and allow to simmer for 2 minutes.
08 - Transfer the prepared beef mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading in an even layer.
09 - Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and reserved cooked bacon evenly over the top.
10 - Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11 - Let casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra dill pickles, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes if desired. Serve while hot.
