Pin A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
I made this pasta bake for a weekend get-together and everyone went back for seconds. It's become a family favorite for busy nights.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- Bacon: 8 oz (225 g) thick-cut bacon, 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: 2 tbsp (8 g, optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
- Cook the beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté onions and garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes and sauces:
- Stir in tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black 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:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, chopped pickles, most of the bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- 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.
Pin My kids love getting involved (especially sprinkling the extra cheese and bacon on top). It's a dinner that makes everyone look forward to sitting at the table together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting bake with a crisp green salad or classic coleslaw for a complete meal. A cold lager or light-bodied red wine pairs perfectly with the rich flavors.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, cover tightly and reheat gently in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Ingredient Swaps
Try ground turkey for a lighter take, or spice things up with a dash of hot sauce in the sauce. Gluten-free pasta makes this recipe suitable for more diets.
Pin This casserole brings together comfort and flavor in every bite. Enjoy as a fun twist on burger night with all the fixings baked in!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni work best to hold the sauce and fillings.
- → How to achieve crispy bacon?
Cook diced bacon over medium heat until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels before mixing.
- → Can I substitute ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter variation while maintaining flavor and texture.
- → What is the purpose of pickles in this dish?
Chopped dill pickles add a subtle tang and crunch, balancing the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
- → How to store leftovers safely?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular pasta and flour with gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.