Save A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
I first made this bacon cheeseburger pasta bake on a chilly weekend, and it instantly became a family favorite. The combination of crispy bacon, flavorful beef, and cheese sauce bubbling over pasta just feels like comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (e.g. penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- Thick-cut bacon: 8 oz (225 g) diced
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) (80/20 recommended)
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes: 1 cup (150 g) halved or drained and chopped
- Dill pickles: 1/4 cup (60 g) chopped
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp (16 g)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (28 g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g) plus 1/2 cup (60 g) for topping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (115 g)
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Yellow mustard: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions (optional): 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, saving some bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown the beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon for about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Saute vegetables:
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings:
- Stir in tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Prepare cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add cheeses:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth and melted.
- Combine ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat mixture, pickles, most bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce. Toss well.
- Assemble bake:
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly on top.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Save This casserole makes my family smile every time I set it on the table, with everyone reaching in for seconds. It's the perfect dish to share at potlucks or casual gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy pasta bake with a fresh green salad and a cold drink, or add garlic bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Recipe Variations
Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or using gluten-free pasta and flour for a lighter or allergen-friendly version. You can also add hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides approximately 720 calories, 38 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein. These values may vary based on the brands of ingredients used and serving sizes.
Save All the comforts of a cheeseburger meet a cozy pasta bake—no one can resist a second helping. Try it for your next weeknight dinner, and watch it disappear quickly!
Common Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni holds the sauce well and works best for this dish.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crispy bacon texture?
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until well crisped before adding it to the casserole.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes allows this casserole to be adapted for gluten-free diets.
- → What cheeses create the best sauce consistency?
A mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella melts smoothly, providing creamy texture and rich flavor.
- → Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if cooking chilled.