Save A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my home after the first try. It blends the nostalgic taste of cheeseburgers with the warmth of baked pasta for the ultimate family dinner.
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: 1 cup (150 g) halved (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained)
- 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
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional): 2 tbsp (8 g) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Baking 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.
- Brown Ground Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned breaking it up with a spoon about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- 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. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Combine cooked pasta meat mixture chopped pickles most of the bacon (reserve some for topping) and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Assemble and Top:
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from oven let rest 5 minutes and garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Save My kids always request this bake for birthday sleepovers. It has become a beloved comfort food tradition in our family dinners, inspiring plenty of smiles around the table.
Swaps & Additions
Try adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick or different cheeses like Monterey Jack for a new flavor twist. You can also sneak in extra veggies such as bell peppers or baby spinach if you like.
Pairing Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake goes great with a crisp green salad and a cold lager or light-bodied red wine. Pickled vegetables or crunchy slaw complement its richness perfectly.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
This casserole contains wheat gluten milk and pork. Check processed ingredients if you have sensitivities. Per serving: 720 calories 38 g fat 54 g carbs 36 g protein.
Save This pasta bake is the best way to bring everyone together for a fun hearty dinner. Enjoy the cheesy bacon-packed goodness fresh from the oven!