Save A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
I first tried combining all my favorite cheeseburger toppings with pasta for a weeknight dinner and was amazed by how much everyone enjoyed it. The crispy bacon and creamy sauce make this dish extra special every time.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (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
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook 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 bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside; leave some bacon fat in pan.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef to skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Saute Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes; add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings:
- Stir in tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, chopped pickles, most of bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce in large bowl. Mix well.
- Assemble & Bake:
- Transfer mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until top is golden and bubbly.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Save My kids beg for seconds every time I make this, and it's quickly become our go-to for weekend family dinners. Sharing this bake always brings everyone around the table with smiles.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, saucepan, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowl, slotted spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and eggs (in some pastas). Contains pork (bacon). Always check processed ingredients for hidden allergens if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 720, Total Fat: 38 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 36 g
Save This bake is irresistible fresh out of the oven with gooey cheese and crispy bacon. Make it once and it's sure to be requested again!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the sauce well and provide great texture.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Ground turkey can be used for a lighter alternative, maintaining the dish's hearty flavor.
- → How is the creamy cheese sauce prepared?
A classic roux made with butter and flour is whisked with milk, then blended with cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- → What gives the dish its tangy flavor?
The combination of ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped dill pickles adds layers of tang and depth.
- → How long should the bake rest after cooking?
Allow the pasta bake to rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven to let flavors meld and make serving easier.
- → Are there any recommended drink pairings?
This rich pasta pairs nicely with a crisp lager or a light-bodied red wine to balance its flavors.