- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions and additional bacon bits
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife for slicing potatoes
- Cutting board
- Spoon for mixing
- Oven mitts
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I start making this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger and Potato Bake, the first thing I do is slice my potatoes thinly. I learned the hard way that the thinner the potato, the better it bakes—nothing worse than crunchy potatoes in a casserole! Once I’ve sliced them into uniform rounds, I set them aside and heat my skillet over medium-high heat. I cook the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. When the aroma of the onions fills the kitchen, I can’t help but smile because I know deliciousness is on the way.
Next, I add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking it until browned and crumbly. Here’s a tip: make sure to drain any excess fat because we already have crispy bacon that will add plenty of flavor. I stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, allowing those seasoned aromas to intermingle. Cooking this mixture together creates a rich, savory filling that forms the backbone of this dish. The combination of beef and bacon is absolutely killer, and then I gently fold in the crispy bacon bits for that extra crunch.
Now comes the fun part—layering! In a large baking dish, I lay down half of the potato slices, creating an inviting base for the beefy goodness. Then I spoon half of the beef and bacon mixture over the potatoes before sprinkling a heaping cup of cheddar cheese. The colors are vibrant, and the warmth from the dish sends out a mouthwatering scent that makes my heart race. I repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and another cup of cheese. The last thing I do is pour the milk over the top, giving it a creamy, delicious finish. Although it might seem like a lot, trust me, it all comes together beautifully.(See the next page below to continue…)