Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Bake

1. Mashed Potato Layer (top):

-      Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.

-      Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy - Start with less milk and use more if needed, for a creamy spreadable consistency.  Set aside.

2. Cheeseburger Filling (bottom):

-      While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon in a pan until lightly crisp, then remove from pan.

-      Sauté onion and garlic in some of the bacon drippings for 2–3 minutes, and remove from pan.

-      Add ground beef to the same pan, and cook until just browned.

3. Assemble Bacon Cheeseburger Dish:

-      Combine together the beef, bacon (reserving some for the topping), ⅔ of the cheese package, mustard, ketchup, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

-      Spread the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.

-      Sprinkle extra cheese on top of the potato, then sliced tomato and breadcrumbs if desired.

-       Bake immediately — or cover and store in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight.

4. Bake and Serve:

-      Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and potatoes have a light golden top. Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for an extra golden crust.

-      Serve with your favourite vegetables or a salad.

Additional Information:

- Substitute the potatoes for sweet potatoes.

-      Add 2 crushed garlic cloves to the mashed potatoes.

-      Serve with a gravy package mix.

Tips and Tricks:

• For fluffy mashed potatoes (Yukon Golds or Russets work best).
• Warming the butter and milk before mashing keeps the potatoes fluffy and smooth instead of turning gummy.
• Prep and assemble cheeseburger bake in the morning or night before. Cover, refrigerate, then bake 25 minutes when ready.