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.

I first made this pasta bake for a weekend get-together, and everyone went back for seconds. It’s now my go-to when I want a cozy, indulgent dinner that reminds me of summer cookouts but is perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or macaroni)
• Thick-cut bacon: 8 oz (225 g), diced
• Ground beef (80/20 recommended): 1 lb (450 g)
• 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 (shredded): 1 cup (115 g), plus 1/2 cup (60 g) for topping
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded): 1 cup (115 g)
• 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
• Fresh chives or green onions (optional): 2 tbsp (8 g), chopped

Instructions

Prepare oven and dish:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Cook pasta:

Cook the 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 necessary.

Cook vegetables:

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

Add tomatoes and sauces:

Stir in tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the 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 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 melted and smooth.

Combine bake:

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

Assemble and top:

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

Bake:

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Rest and serve:

Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Save

My kids love assembling their own plates and picking out extra bacon bits from the top. It’s a real hit on movie nights with the whole family gathered together.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake is delicious on its own, but pairs especially well with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

Allergy & Dietary Information

This dish contains gluten, dairy, and pork. For specific allergens in processed ingredients, always check product labels carefully before preparing.

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

Save

This bake brings classic burger flavors to your kitchen table. Serve it bubbling hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni holds the sauce well and works perfectly for this bake.

→ Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter option, maintaining great flavor and texture.

→ How do the pickles affect the flavor?

Chopped dill pickles add a bright, tangy contrast that balances the rich, cheesy elements.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative to keep the sauce smooth.

→ What toppings enhance the final bake?

Sprinkling extra cheddar and crisp bacon on top before baking adds a golden, flavorful crust, while fresh chives provide a fresh finish.

→ Can this be prepared in advance?

Yes, assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just increase bake time slightly if cooking from cold.