Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Bake

Imagine all your favorite cheeseburger flavors wrapped into one warm, satisfying bake. This Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Bake is a playful twist, combining smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, tangy ketchup and mustard, and melty cheese—all layered over chewy ramen noodles for a comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

The richness of crispy bacon mixed with savory flavors and the slight tang from pickle relish makes this dish satisfying and crave-worthy. It’s an easy-to-make family crowd-pleaser that brings a fun, nostalgic vibe to your table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Instant ramen noodles (2 packages): Tender, quick-cooking noodles form the comforting carb base when drained and ready to mix.
• Ground beef (500 g / 1 lb): Adds rich, savory protein to mimic classic cheeseburger meat.
• Bacon (6–8 slices, chopped): Provides smoky, crispy texture enhancing the savory depth.
• Small onion (1, diced): Offers subtle sweetness and aroma when sautéed with beef.
• Garlic cloves (2–3, minced): Infuses bold, savory notes to enrich the meat mixture.
• Ketchup (1/2 cup): Brings tangy sweetness, a signature flavor in cheeseburger sauce.
• Mustard (2–3 tbsp, yellow or Dijon): Adds a slight sharpness that cuts through rich flavors.
• Pickle relish (2–3 tbsp, optional): Lends sweet-and-tangy crunch reminiscent of classic cheeseburger toppings.
• Shredded cheese (1 1/2–2 cups, cheddar, American, or blend): Melts into a gooey, flavorful topping creating rich cheesiness.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
• Optional toppings (diced pickles, extra cheese, chopped green onions): Adds texture and vibrant visual appeal when served.

Instructions

Cook the Ramen Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the ramen noodles. Cook for about 3 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water and set aside. This prevents sogginess and ensures the noodles absorb the savory bake flavors perfectly.

Cook the Bacon and Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and golden. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon, keeping the rendered fat in the pan. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened, stirring often to break up the meat. Add minced garlic last and sauté for another minute to release its aroma without burning.

Combine with Flavorings

Stir ketchup, mustard, and optional pickle relish into the beef mixture until evenly incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This mixture captures the iconic cheeseburger sauce flavors that bring brightness and tanginess to the dish.

Toss Noodles with Beef Mixture

Add the cooked and drained ramen noodles to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every strand with the cheesy beef sauce. This ensures each bite is packed with delicious cheeseburger flavor and no noodles dry out during baking.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 190°C (about 375°F). Transfer the beef-noodle mixture evenly into a baking dish. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top to create a rich, melty layer. Scatter the crispy bacon bits over the cheese to add crunch and smoky flavor.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese should melt into a bubbly, lightly golden crust, while the edges get beautifully crispy. This step melds all the flavors together for a comforting finish.

Serve Warm with Toppings

Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Top with diced pickles or chopped green onions for an extra pop of freshness and texture. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheesy goodness combined with nostalgic cheeseburger flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It also freezes well—just thaw completely before reheating for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this rich and cheesy bake with a simple toss salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Oven fries, sweet potato wedges, or steamed vegetables are also perfect side options.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pasta instead of ramen noodles?

Yes, fresh egg noodles or even cooked macaroni can be substituted for ramen, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this dish suitable for freezer storage?

Absolutely! Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container. Reheat gently to retain texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based crumble and use vegetarian bacon alternatives for a meat-free version.

What cheeses work best in this bake?

Cheddar, American, or a blend are ideal for meltiness and flavor. Adding mozzarella improves stretch and gooey texture.

How spicy is this dish?

It is mild by default, but you can add hot mustard or a dash of cayenne for some heat.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to keep it fresh and melty.

Bacon Cheeseburger Ramen Bake

This hearty bake combines savory bacon, seasoned beef, and melty cheese with tender ramen noodles for a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic cheeseburger.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course casserole, dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 5 people

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large skillet for cooking bacon and beef
• 1 pot for boiling ramen noodles
• 1 baking dish for assembling and baking casserole

Ingredients

  

• 2 packages instant ramen noodles seasoning packets discarded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 –8 slices bacon chopped
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 –3 tbsp mustard yellow or Dijon
• 2 –3 tbsp pickle relish optional
• 1 1/2 –2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, American, or blend
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: diced pickles extra cheese, chopped green onions

Instructions

 

• Bring a pot of water to a boil, add ramen noodles and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon bits and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
• Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, breaking up meat as it cooks.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
• Add ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish if using. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and heated through.
• Add cooked ramen noodles to the beef mixture and toss to coat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to a baking dish.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mixture and then scatter the cooked bacon bits on top.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are lightly golden.
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Top with diced pickles or green onions if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• Add extra ketchup or Worcestershire sauce for richer flavor.
• Toss noodles with oil to prevent sticking before mixing.
• Use a cheddar and mozzarella blend for better flavor and stretch.
• Serve with a salad or oven fries for a complete meal.