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 on a chilly weeknight and was amazed by how it quickly became a requested favorite in our home. The balance of smoky bacon and gooey cheese creates a truly satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (e.g. 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
- Prep & Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Crisp Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside reserving some bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet cook until browned breaking into pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Veggies:
- Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Tomatoes & Season:
- Stir in tomatoes and cook 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 slightly thickened about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth.
- Combine & Mix:
- Mix cooked pasta meat mixture chopped pickles most of the bacon and the cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Assemble:
- Transfer mixture to baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes garnish with chives or green onions if desired and serve hot.
Save This cheesy casserole has become a go-to for family get-togethers and always brings everyone to the table with smiles and appetites to match.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad and dill pickles for the full burger-inspired experience.
Make Ahead Tips
Assemble everything up to a day ahead refrigerate and bake when ready for a quick dinner.
Variations
Try swapping pickles for jalapeños or add a sprinkle of crushed potato chips for extra crunch before baking.
Save Enjoy a comforting slice of this pasta bake fresh from the oven and savor every hearty cheesy bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the sauce well and maintain a firm texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce consistency?
The sauce thickens by whisking butter and flour together before slowly adding milk, then melting in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- → What adds the tangy flavor in this dish?
Ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped dill pickles contribute tangy and savory notes.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, this dish can be adapted.
- → How long should the bake rest after cooking?
Allow the pasta bake to rest for about 5 minutes post-oven to let flavors meld and for easier serving.