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 for my family on a chilly weeknight and it was an instant hit with both the kids and adults at the table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (e.g. penne rotini or macaroni)
- Bacon: 8 oz (225 g) thick cut diced
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) (80/20 recommended)
- Onion: 1 medium yellow 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)
- 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 freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese (topping): 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional): 2 tbsp (8 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- 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.
- Cook beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned breaking it up with a spoon about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add onion and garlic:
- 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 condiments:
- 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.
- Add cheeses:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Combine and mix:
- 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 helping sprinkle the bacon and cheese on top before baking and everyone gets excited when it comes bubbly and golden out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta bake with a crisp green salad and a tangy dressing or pair it with a cold lager for classic comfort food vibes.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Possible Variations
Swap in ground turkey for beef if you like or add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for extra vegetables.
Save Bake this cheesy casserole to bubbling perfection and enjoy an easy weeknight meal that's sure to disappear fast.
Recipe Questions
- → What types of pasta work best for this bake?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold sauce well and are ideal for even baking in this dish.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter variation while maintaining a hearty texture.
- → How do the pickles affect the flavor profile?
Chopped dill pickles add a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the cheese and meats.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative in the sauce.
- → What are some suggested drink pairings?
A crisp lager or a light-bodied red wine complements the savory and creamy elements nicely.
- → How can I add extra spice to the dish?
Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture for a gentle kick.