Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Noodle Bake (Print version)

A cheesy ramen casserole with ground beef, crispy bacon, dill pickles, and classic burger sauce flavor baked until bubbly.

# Ingredients:

For the beef and bacon

01 - 8 slices bacon, chopped
02 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85 percent lean
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
06 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the noodles and sauce

11 - 3 packages instant ramen noodles, 3 oz (85 g) each, seasoning packets discarded
12 - 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
14 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
15 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
16 - 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - 1/3 cup (50 g) finely chopped dill pickles, drained

For finishing

18 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
19 - Extra chopped dill pickles, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
03 - Add the ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
04 - Stir in the garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat.
05 - Boil the ramen noodles without seasoning packets for 1-2 minutes, just until the blocks loosen. Drain very well so the casserole does not turn watery.
06 - In a large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar, and mozzarella until mostly smooth. Fold in the ramen, beef mixture, chopped pickles, and half of the cooked bacon.
07 - Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar and the rest of the bacon. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the edges bubble and the center is hot.
08 - Let the bake rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and extra pickles if using, then serve warm.

# Good to know:

01 - Use ramen noodles only slightly cooked before baking for the best texture.
02 - Best served hot after a 5 minute rest.
03 - Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.

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