Description
Bacon and Cheese Mini Casseroles
Ingredients:
1 lb ground pork
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 eggs
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown ground pork, mix in tomato sauce and crumbled bacon.
Whisk eggs with ricotta cheese.
Layer pork mixture, ricotta mix, and cheddar in mini trays.
Bake for 25 minutes until golden.
Bacon and cheese?
It’s the ultimate combo! Who’s trying this?
#BaconCheeseCasseroles
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 6-8 mini casserole dishes or a muffin tin. Cook and crumble 1/2 cup of bacon. Shred 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.
2. Cook the Pork: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground pork until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and the crumbled bacon. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Ricotta Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk 2 eggs. Add 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble: In each mini dish, start with a layer of the pork and bacon mixture. Next, spoon a layer of the ricotta and egg mixture over the pork. Finally, top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake: Place the dishes on a baking sheet and bake for 22-27 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serving Suggestions
These mini casseroles are a versatile dish. Serve them for brunch alongside a fresh fruit salad or roasted potatoes. For a satisfying dinner, pair them with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. They also make perfect, portable appetizers for parties or game day.
How-to Summary
To make Bacon and Cheese Mini Casseroles, brown ground pork and mix it with tomato sauce and bacon. Separately, whisk eggs and ricotta. Layer the pork mixture, ricotta mix, and shredded cheddar in mini dishes. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden and set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make one large casserole instead? Yes. Use an 8×8 baking dish and increase the bake time to 30-35 minutes, or until the center is hot and the top is golden.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the casseroles, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese (small curd) or a mixture of cream cheese thinned with a little milk are excellent substitutes for a similar creamy texture.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of meat? Ground beef, turkey, or chicken will work well. For turkey or chicken, consider adding a pinch of extra seasoning like garlic powder or smoked paprika for more flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Pork: Failing to drain excess fat after browning the pork can make the final dish greasy.
- Overfilling the Dishes: Fill each dish only 3/4 full to prevent the egg and ricotta mixture from bubbling over during baking.
- Undermixing the Ricotta Layer: Whisk the eggs and ricotta thoroughly until smooth. Lumps can create an uneven texture.
- Skipping the Preheating: Always preheat your oven. Putting the dishes into a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy texture.
Conclusion
These Bacon and Cheese Mini Casseroles are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining savory pork, smoky bacon, and rich, melted cheeses in a perfectly portioned package. They are surprisingly simple to make, highly adaptable, and ideal for any meal from brunch to game day. Give this recipe a try—the ultimate combo of bacon and cheese never disappoints.
