Save 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 pasta bake when hosting a busy family gathering, hoping for a dish that could please picky eaters and fulfill the adults' cheeseburger cravings. It was gone in minutes and everyone asked for the recipe.
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Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (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 pepper: To taste
- Fresh chives or green onions: 2 tbsp (8 g), chopped (optional, for garnish)
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Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- 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.
- Crisp bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown beef:
- Add ground beef to skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Saute onion and garlic:
- Add chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add tomatoes & sauce ingredients:
- 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 separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add cheeses:
- 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 bake:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & serve:
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Save This has become our go-to comfort dish for movie nights, and the kids love helping sprinkle bacon and cheese on top before it bakes.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta bake with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Allergen Info
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and pork. Always check ingredient labels if you're sensitive or serving guests with allergies.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers keep well tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until piping hot.
Save 
This pasta bake is pure comfort and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and bake evenly.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crispy bacon topping?
Cook bacon separately until crisp, reserving some pieces to sprinkle on top before baking, adding texture and flavor.
- → What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
A roux made from butter and flour combined with whole milk and melted cheddar and mozzarella creates a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free; swapping meats can cater to different dietary needs.
