Cheesy Barbecue Casserole is a delightful concoction that’s both easy to make and immensely satisfying. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 30 minutes, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or hosting a potluck dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a 2-quart casserole dish for baking, ensuring that it’s generously greased to prevent any sticking.
The star of this dish is the savory ground beef, which forms the hearty base of the casserole. In a skillet set over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with finely diced onions, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through and the onions are soft and translucent. Once the beef is beautifully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet, ensuring that your casserole stays light and flavorful.
Next, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to the skillet, creating a luscious medley of flavors that will elevate this dish to new heights. Pour in the milk and barbecue sauce, infusing the meat mixture with rich, tangy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. Add a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley, lending a vibrant burst of freshness to the dish, and stir everything together until well combined.
Now, it’s time to introduce the stars of the show: the cheeses! Grated mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, gooey texture that will envelop each bite in luxurious decadence, while sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold, robust flavor that perfectly complements the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce. Reserve a half cup of cheddar cheese for later use, as it will be used to create a tantalizingly cheesy crust on top of the casserole.
Once all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, transfer the meat mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure that every spoonful is filled with deliciousness. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a golden, bubbling crust that will beckon you to take that first irresistible bite.
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and irresistibly aromatic. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering scent of melting cheese and savory barbecue, whetting your appetite and building anticipation for the feast to come.
Once the casserole is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, scoop generous portions onto plates, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
With its hearty combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey melted cheese, Cheesy Barbecue Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family dinner or shared with friends at a potluck gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit every time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a taste sensation that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
