Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
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This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is Your New Weeknight Hero
There are nights when deciding what to make for dinner feels like the toughest choice of the day. You’re craving the hearty, savory satisfaction of a cheeseburger, but also the comforting embrace of a warm pasta dish.
I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s how this recipe was born. It’s the perfect answer when you can’t decide between two of the world’s greatest comfort foods.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake brings it all together in one glorious casserole dish. Imagine savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender pasta all swimming in a creamy, tangy cheese sauce that tastes just like your favorite burger toppings.
It’s a meal that gets the whole family excited to come to the table. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together on a busy weeknight.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. No need for a special trip to a gourmet store for this one.
- Pasta: 1 pound of medium shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
- Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef (85/15 is great).
- Bacon: 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Ketchup: 1 cup.
- Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon.
- Beef Broth: 1/2 cup.
- Dill Pickle Relish: 3 tablespoons (trust me on this).
- Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups, shredded, and divided.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup, for an extra creamy sauce.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Optional Garnish: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or more chopped pickles.
Pro Tips
After making this dish dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a real difference. Here are my top tips for getting it perfect.
- Undercook Your Pasta: Cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package directions. It will finish cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from turning mushy. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches to prevent clumping, which can make your sauce gritty. Grating a block of cheddar yourself results in a much smoother, meltier cheese sauce.
- Reserve Some Bacon Fat: After cooking your bacon, save a tablespoon of the rendered fat. Cook your onions and ground beef in it for an incredible layer of smoky flavor that runs through the entire dish.
- Let It Rest: Once you pull the bake out of the oven, let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and set, so it doesn’t run all over the plate when you scoop it out.
Tools Required
You likely have everything you need already. Here’s a quick list.
- Large Pot (for pasta)
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- 9×13 inch Casserole Dish
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Colander
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cheese Grater
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
| For This Ingredient | Try This Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground Turkey or Chicken | Adds a lighter touch. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Blend | Changes the flavor profile slightly. |
| Yellow Onion | Red Onion or Shallots | Shallots are milder, red onion is sharper. |
| Dill Pickle Relish | Chopped Dill Pickles | Gives a crunchier texture. |
Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion and use pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Swiss Version: Swap the cheddar for Swiss cheese and add 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
Follow these simple steps for a dinner that will not disappoint.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook your pasta according to package instructions, but make sure it’s al dente (about 2 minutes under). Drain it and set it aside.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about one tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 4: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned, then drain off any excess grease.
Step 5: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and dill pickle relish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and half of the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
Step 8: Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon evenly over the top.
Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Info and Healthy Swaps
While this is a comfort food classic, you can make a few tweaks to fit different dietary goals.
Estimated Nutrition
This is an approximation per serving, assuming the recipe makes 8 servings.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. Just be sure not to overcook it!
- Lower-Carb: Swap the pasta for cauliflower florets or a low-carb pasta alternative. You will also need to use a sugar-free ketchup.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese shreds and a full-fat coconut milk or other dairy-free cream substitute. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers and Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a small oven-safe dish until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole, either whole or in individual portions. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Ans: Absolutely. You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based crumble and use a vegetarian bacon alternative. You’ll also want to swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.
Q2. My sauce seems a little thin. What should I do?
Ans: If the sauce looks thin before baking, don’t worry. It will thicken up considerably in the oven as the pasta absorbs some of the liquid and the cheese melts. If it’s still too thin for your liking after resting, a cornstarch slurry could be added during the stovetop phase next time.
Q3. What can I serve with this pasta bake?
Ans: This dish is very hearty on its own, so simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, some steamed green beans, or simple garlic bread are all excellent choices.
Wrapping Up
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake has become a true staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of fun to the dinner table.
It’s forgiving, easy to customize, and tastes even better the next day. So go ahead, give it a try!
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Feel free to drop a comment below with your experience or any questions you might have!
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