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 pasta bake for a family potluck, and everyone went back for seconds. It's always a hit when you want something filling, delicious, and nostalgic.
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) ground beef (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
- Chives or green onions (optional): 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 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, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add chopped onion to beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add tomatoes and 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 separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour; 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 smooth.
- Combine components:
- 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 casserole:
- Transfer mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, garnish with chives or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Pin it Everyone in my family loves this dish, especially on chilly nights when we gather around the table and share stories. It disappears quickly, so be sure to make enough for seconds!
Make It Your Way
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option. Gluten-free pasta and flour work beautifully for anyone with dietary sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad and a cold lager or light red wine for an easy meal.
Allergy & Nutrition Info
Per serving: 720 calories, 38 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein. If you are sensitive, carefully check labels of processed items like cheese and condiments for hidden allergens.
Pin it Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort meal everyone will crave again and again. Enjoy straight from the oven for best flavor and texture!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative while maintaining a similar texture.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the sauce well and provide good texture.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the sauce?
Incorporating Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, mustard, and ketchup layers depth and a tangy, smoky profile.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener to keep the creamy sauce intact.
- → What are good pairing options for this dish?
A crisp lager or a light-bodied red wine complements the rich flavors and balances the hearty ingredients.