Pin A hearty crowd-pleasing casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy cheesy pasta bake.
I first tested this pasta bake for a game night and every bite disappeared in minutes everyone raved about the crispy bacon bits and creamy cheese sauce. It quickly became a go-to comfort food meal in our house.
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 pepper: to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions (optional): 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- 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 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 Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add Tomatoes & Sauces:
- 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 & Mix:
- 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:
- 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.
- Rest & Serve:
- Remove from oven let rest 5 minutes and garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Pin This casserole brings my family together for both busy weeknights and special get-togethers everyone loves serving up a generous scoop right from the bubbly dish at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Try pairing this pasta bake with a crisp green salad and tangy pickles to echo the burger flavors. Garlic bread or potato wedges make delicious sides.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a low oven until bubbly.
Customization Ideas
Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick use pepper jack cheese swap pickles for banana peppers or drizzle with extra ketchup before baking for more burger flavor.
Pin This crowd-pleaser is pure comfort food and always vanishes fast enjoy the melty cheese and smoky bacon in every forkful.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the sauce well and provide texture ideal for baking.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, swapping ground turkey offers a lighter alternative while maintaining flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative for the sauce.
- → What adds the smoky flavor in this casserole?
The thick-cut bacon provides crispy, smoky notes that enhance the overall savory profile.
- → How do I get a golden bubbly top on the bake?
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top before baking to create a crisp, golden crust.
