Save A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
I made this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake for my family last game night, and every bite vanished in minutes. It quickly became our favorite way to enjoy those classic burger flavors with less fuss.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- Meats: 8 oz (225 g) thick-cut bacon, diced; 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained); 1/4 cup (60 g) dill pickles, chopped
- Sauce: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk; 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup; 2 tbsp (30 ml) yellow mustard; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Topping: 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
- Prepare Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2<3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add Tomatoes and Season:
- Stir in tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Combine Mixture:
- Combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, chopped pickles, most of the bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Bake:
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.
- Finish Baking:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Save Everyone in my family wanted seconds, and even the leftovers were a hit for lunch the next day.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, saucepan, whisk, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing bowl, slotted spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and eggs (in some pastas). Contains pork (bacon). Check all processed ingredients for hidden allergens if sensitive.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 720, Total Fat: 38 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 36 g
Save Enjoy this bake straight from the oven with your favorite crisp salad or a cold drink. It's the ultimate comfort casserole!
Recipe Help
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the creamy sauce well and maintain their texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a lighter variation maintaining similar flavor and texture.
- → How do the pickles affect the flavor?
Chopped dill pickles add a tangy crunch that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese and meats.
- → What is the purpose of the cheese sauce?
The sauce binds the ingredients together, providing creamy texture and enhancing the savory flavors of the dish.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely, using gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes keeps it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.