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 made this bacon cheeseburger pasta bake was for a weekend game night, and everyone went back for seconds. It brings together so many favorite flavors in every cheesy, savory bite.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (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) + 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 freshly ground black pepper: to taste
• Fresh chives or green onions (optional): 2 tbsp (8 g), chopped

Instructions

Prep the 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 onion and garlic:

Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 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.

Finish cheese sauce:

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

Combine ingredients:

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 garnish:

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

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This is one of those dishes my family keeps requesting on chilly nights, especially when we have busy weekdays. It always brings everyone to the table.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the rich flavors of the bake. Try pairing with a cold lager or a light-bodied red wine for adults.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions as needed.

Allergen and Nutrition Info

This bacon cheeseburger pasta bake contains wheat, dairy, and pork. For detailed nutrition, each serving has about 720 calories, 38 g of fat, 54 g of carbs, and 36 g of protein.

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This pasta bake always disappears fast—enjoy comfort food at its best and let every bite bring smiles to your table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni hold sauce well and maintain texture when baked.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Ground turkey or chicken make lighter alternatives, maintaining flavor while reducing fat content.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in the sauce.

→ What role do the pickles play in this bake?

Chopped dill pickles add a tangy crunch that balances the rich, creamy cheese and smoky bacon flavors.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bake and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture and freshness.

→ What toppings enhance the finished dish?

Extra shredded cheddar and crisp bacon bits create a golden, bubbly crust; garnish with fresh chives or green onions for brightness.