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Ground Beef Crack Casserole - A Creamy, Cheesy Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (or 1/2 cup real bacon bits)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
  • 2 cups frozen diced potatoes or tater tots (or 2 cups cooked pasta, optional)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Olive oil or butter for sautéing

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet.
  2. Crisp the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Cook diced onion until soft and lightly golden, 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and no pink remains, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Season and moisten: Sprinkle in ranch seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir in beef broth to loosen browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
  6. Make the creamy base: Lower heat. Add cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and fully combined with the beef mixture.
  7. Layer it up: If using tater tots or frozen diced potatoes, fold half into the skillet mixture. If using cooked pasta, fold all of it in now. Stir in half the cheddar and half the Monterey Jack.
  8. Assemble: If your skillet is oven-safe, smooth the mixture evenly. If not, transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining potatoes or tots (if using), then scatter the remaining cheeses over the top. Finish with the crispy bacon.
  9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
  10. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5–10 minutes to set. Top with sliced green onions. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve warm with a crisp salad or steamed veggies.