Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake.

The first time I baked this for a potluck, there were no leftovers and several requests for the recipe. The blend of smoky bacon and melty cheese instantly won everyone over.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni preferred)
• 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
• 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
• Cheddar cheese (topping): 1/2 cup (60 g), shredded
• Fresh chives or green onions: 2 tbsp (8 g), chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the 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.

Cook bacon:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 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, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Sauté onion and garlic:

Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook for 30 seconds more.

Add tomatoes and condiments:

Stir in tomatoes and cook 2 minutes. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Prepare 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.

Add cheese to sauce:

Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.

Combine ingredients:

Mix cooked pasta, meat mixture, chopped pickles, most of the bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce in a large bowl.

Assemble casserole:

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.

Bake:

Bake for 20 minutes, or until 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.

Save

The kids get so excited when they smell this baking in the oven—it really makes weeknight dinners feel special.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the bake.

Variations

Swap in ground turkey for beef, or try using gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Save

Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite. This bake is sure to please everyone at your table.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well to lighten the dish while maintaining the savory flavors.

→ What pasta types are best for this bake?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the sauce nicely and bake evenly.

→ How can I make this bake gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative for the sauce.

→ What cheese combination is recommended?

A mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella creates a creamy, melty texture with rich flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bake and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if cooking straight from cold.