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 for a neighborhood dinner where everyone raved about how it tasted just like their favorite bacon cheeseburger, only much easier to serve a crowd. It's been a go-to comfort meal ever since, especially on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- 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)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g) plus 1/2 cup (60 g) for topping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 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 black pepper: to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions: 2 tbsp (8 g), chopped (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Dish:
- 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 diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping some bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
- Stir in chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Stir in tomatoes and cook 2 minutes. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate 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 melted and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat mixture, chopped pickles, most of the bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble & Top:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and reserved bacon.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and garnish with chives or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Save We have a tradition of making this pasta bake to share with friends after little league games—there is never a single bite left when everyone's done!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crunchy pickles, or pair with oven fries for the full cheeseburger experience.
How to Store & Freeze
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze baked (cooled) portions for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat gently.
Make it Your Own
Swap in ground turkey, try different cheeses, or add sautéed mushrooms and jalapeños to put your own spin on this family-friendly bake.
Save
One dish, all the flavor—this cheesy pasta bake is sure to become a new family favorite at your table.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold the sauce well and provide a nice texture balance.
- → Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are lighter alternatives that still blend nicely with the smoky bacon and cheese.
- → How do I get the cheese sauce creamy?
Whisking flour into melted butter and gradually adding milk creates a smooth base. Melted cheddar and mozzarella finish the sauce with rich flavor.
- → What gives the dish its tangy flavor?
Chopped dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce combine to add tang and depth to the savory bake.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.