Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe

Looking for the perfect comfort food that combines all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make pasta bake? Look no further than this mouthwatering Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake! Imagine juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all nestled together in a creamy tomato sauce, baked to perfection with tender penne pasta. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal.

I remember the first time I whipped up this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake on a chilly Saturday afternoon – it was an instant hit! The melty cheddar cheese forming those irresistible golden spots on top and the savory combination of beef and bacon had everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and now, it’s a highly requested dish for Sunday night dinners. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite cheese or veggies to suit your taste preferences.

With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hearty flavors, this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and asking for more. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will please even the pickiest eaters, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear before your eyes!

Quick Benefits

• Comfort food classic with a twist – combines the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a satisfying pasta bake
• Versatile and customizable – easily swap ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and pasta shapes to suit your preferences
• Crowd-pleaser – perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: This recipe combines juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese with a creamy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a cozy and satisfying meal.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
• Cheesy goodness: The cheddar cheese forms irresistible golden spots on top, creating a deliciously cheesy crust that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Make ahead and freeze: Prepare in advance and freeze for up to two months, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients like using ground turkey or chicken, different types of cheese, or pasta shapes to suit your preferences.
• Versatile side dishes: Serve with a salad, steamed broccoli, or add pickles and extra relish for a tangy boost to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
• Year-round favorite: Adjust the recipe with seasonal ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, or smoked paprika to add freshness or warmth depending on the time of year.
• Potluck favorite: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings, with guests often asking for the recipe before the meal is even over.
• Freezing tip: You can assemble the bake in advance, freeze it, and bake from frozen for a convenient and quick meal option.
• Leftovers friendly: Making a double batch is recommended as this pasta bake tends to disappear quickly, ensuring you have some left for the next day.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 packet bacon, diced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dill relish
• 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce Base

• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Cheese

• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Pro Tips for Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe

For the Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake, here are some pro tips to elevate your dish: First, to enhance the flavors, consider adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a fresh touch during the summer, or incorporate baby spinach or peas for color and vibrancy during the spring. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on the classic cheddar.

To save time, you can assemble the pasta bake in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it right before serving to ensure a fresh and delicious outcome. Moreover, if you’re looking to make a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, as they offer a leaner option without compromising on taste. Lastly, consider doubling the recipe to ensure there are leftovers for the next day, as this dish tends to disappear quickly due to its irresistible combination of bacon, cheese, and creamy tomato sauce.

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Bacon

Cook diced bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef

In the same skillet, cook diced onion and ground beef until beef is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Season Beef Mixture

Evenly coat browned beef and onions with Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Incorporate Sauce Components

Combine Worcestershire sauce, dill relish, tomato sauce, and heavy whipping cream in the pan. Stir until well mixed.

Step 6: Melt Cheese and Incorporate Bacon

Combine 1 cup shredded cheddar and half of the cooked bacon in the skillet. Stir until cheese melts and ingredients are well mixed.

Step 7: Combine Pasta

Gently mix the cooked penne into the beef and sauce mixture until evenly combined.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Place the pasta blend in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and bacon on top. Bake at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Portion and Serve

Serve immediately after removing from the oven, making sure each portion is garnished with melted cheese and bacon.

Storage Tips

Once the bacon cheeseburger pasta bake has been cooked and cooled completely, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, sprinkle a bit of water on top and cover to maintain the best creamy texture. If you want to freeze individual portions, they can be stored for up to two months and reheated in the microwave or oven straight from frozen, making for a convenient and delicious make-ahead meal option.

For those looking to customize the dish, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef. Experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on the cheesy finish. Additionally, swapping penne for rotini, shells, or other pasta shapes can bring variety to the dish while still delivering a tasty and comforting meal. Whether served with a side salad or some steamed vegetables, the bacon cheeseburger pasta bake is a versatile crowd-pleaser that can be easily tailored to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef in this recipe. Smoked gouda or Monterey Jack can be substituted for the cheddar cheese for a different cheesy finish. Additionally, if you don’t have penne pasta on hand, rotini, ziti, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that will still hold the sauce well.

For added color and flavor, consider incorporating diced tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach while browning the beef. These vegetables can add freshness and a nutritional boost to the dish. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends such as mozzarella or your favorite cheeses for a unique twist on the classic cheesy topping.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake, try scooping individual portions into small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets before baking. This creates a cute and personalized presentation, perfect for a dinner party or gathering with friends. Top each mini bake with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Another creative serving idea is to turn this pasta bake into a build-your-own pasta bar for a casual get-together. Set out bowls of various toppings such as diced tomatoes, pickles, extra cheese, and even some hot sauce for guests to customize their own cheesy creations. This interactive setup is not only delicious but also adds a fun and engaging element to the meal.

FAQs for Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta besides penne for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne works well, but rotini, ziti, or rigatoni are all great alternatives that hold sauce beautifully.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance, cover and chill, then bake right before serving for best results.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites will melt nicely.

What other ingredients can I add to this pasta bake?

Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the beef while browning for extra color and flavor.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake for your loved ones as much as I do. The combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese with creamy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients and make it your own signature dish.

Whether you’re preparing this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, its hearty and comforting flavors are bound to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying meal that captures the essence of a classic bacon cheeseburger in every bite.