Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake (Ultimate Comfort Casserole)
A rich, hearty baked pasta dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, smoky bacon, tangy sauce, and melty cheese—baked into a creamy, comforting casserole.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rotini)
6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup (240ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (120ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/4 cup (60ml) chopped pickles (optional, for that burger-style tang)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove, crumble, and reserve.
Using the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.
Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly creamy.
Add cooked pasta and half of both cheeses, mixing until everything is well coated.
Transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Finish with chopped pickles and fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, tangy contrast.
