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Cheesy Cheddar Bay Burger Bake - featured image

Cheesy Cheddar Bay Burger Bake: Easy Lighter Dinner


  • Author: abigail_patterson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and garlic butter on thick slices of Texas toast or garlic bread, baked until golden and bubbly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 1 loaf Texas toast or thick-sliced garlic bread
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chives, green onions, or sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt to create the garlic butter mixture.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Slice the bread into thick slices if not pre-sliced.
  5. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread slices in the bottom, overlapping slightly.
  6. Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the bread layer.
  7. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.
  8. Place the remaining bread slices on top, covering the meat completely.
  9. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top layer of bread, ensuring it gets into the crevices.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
  12. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents. If using thinner bread, toast it lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess. Let cheese sit out for 10 minutes before using for better melting. For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 14
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: burger bake, cheddar bay, garlic bread, easy dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipes