Pin it 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 bake on a busy weeknight when everyone wanted something comforting. The kids loved the cheeseburger flavor and cleaning up was a breeze since it all comes together in one dish.
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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)
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g), shredded (plus 1/2 cup (60 g) for topping)
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (115 g), shredded
- 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: 2 tbsp (8 g), optional for garnish
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Instructions
- Prep oven and dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Crisp bacon:
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving some fat in pan.
- Brown beef:
- Add ground beef to skillet, cook until browned, breaking it up with spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes & condiments:
- Stir in tomatoes, cook 2 minutes. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Prepare cheese sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Combine & mix:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, chopped pickles, most bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble & bake:
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over remaining cheddar and reserved bacon. Bake 20 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest & garnish:
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Pin it This is always requested at family get-togethers, and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day.
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Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, saucepan, whisk, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing bowl, slotted spoon
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 720, Total Fat: 38 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 36 g
Notes
Swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter version. Add hot sauce for a kick or use gluten-free pasta for a GF option.
Pin it 
Enjoy this bacon cheeseburger pasta bake hot from the oven for full flavor and comfort. It's a dish sure to please everyone at your table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the creamy sauce well and provide the perfect texture.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are good alternatives for a lighter option, adapting well to the spices and sauce.
- → How do the pickles influence the flavor?
Chopped dill pickles add a bright, tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
- → What is the purpose of the sauce ingredients?
Butter and flour create a roux to thicken the milk, forming a creamy base that melts the cheeses smoothly and binds all components.
- → Are there tips for achieving a golden crust?
Sprinkling extra shredded cheddar and reserved bacon on top before baking encourages a flavorful, bubbling golden crust.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
This warm bake complements crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a cold lager or light-bodied red wine.
