Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Feel free to make substitutions where necessary. For instance, turkey bacon can replace pork bacon for a lighter option, or a sharp cheddar can be swapped with mild cheddar depending on your preference. Remember, cooking should be as flexible and forgiving as the lessons I learned from Nonna Rosa in her sun-drenched kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, until it is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a touch of color, you can broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, much like the ones gathered from the local markets during my European travels, coming together to create something truly comforting and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
