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Creamy penne pasta layered with crispy bacon, seasoned beef, and melty cheddar cheese makes this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake the kind of hearty comfort food my family loves on busy weeknights. Every bite brings together all the amazing flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in pasta form.
I first made this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake after a weekend barbecue left us with extra bacon and ground beef. It was such a hit that everyone started requesting it regularly.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: is the main protein and brings classic burger richness look for fresh bright red meat with minimal browning
- Bacon: diced and cooked until crisp for smoky saltiness thick cut works well if you love extra bacon flavor
- Yellow onion: adds savory depth to the beef use onions with unblemished dry skin
- Penne pasta: holds the sauce well and gives a hearty bite cook just until al dente
- Montreal steak seasoning: infuses the beef with bold flavor if unavailable use a blend of salt black pepper and garlic
- Garlic powder: for extra savory notes always opt for fresh powder for best taste
- Onion powder: to layer more flavor fine grind blends easier into the sauce
- Worcestershire sauce: enhances the savor of the beef and adds subtle tang
- Dill relish: gives a hint of burger-like zing choose a relish with a fresh crunch
- Tomato sauce: forms the saucy backbone look for smooth high quality sauce with no added sugar
- Heavy whipping cream: ensures ultimate richness and creaminess
- Mild cheddar cheese: for classic cheeseburger taste shred your own for the smoothest melt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions in well salted water. Drain it once al dente and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium high heat cook the diced bacon pieces slowly. Let them render out their fat and turn crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess grease.
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- In the same pan add the diced onion and ground beef. Cook over medium heat constantly breaking up the beef with a spatula. Sauté until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. About 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off excess grease to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Season the Meat:
- Sprinkle in the Montreal steak seasoning garlic powder and onion powder. Stir to evenly coat the beef mixture and let the flavors marry for a minute.
- Build the Sauce:
- Add the Worcestershire sauce dill relish tomato sauce and heavy whipping cream into the skillet. Stir thoroughly until everything is a cohesive sauce.
- Cheese and Bacon Mix:
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and half of your crispy bacon to the skillet. Carefully fold the mixture until the cheese melts and everything is fully combined.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Pour the cooked and drained pasta into the skillet. Gently toss so that all the noodles are coated in cheesy meaty sauce.
- Bake and Finish:
- Transfer everything to a baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle over the remaining shredded cheese and bacon. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes just until the cheese is fully melted. Serve while hot for the best gooey bites.
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Cheddar cheese in this recipe is my favorite part because it melts to the cheesiest perfection and wraps the pasta bundles with gooey deliciousness. My youngest always asks for extra cheese on top and we share laughs while scooping the strings of cheese from the dish.
Storage Tips
This pasta bake keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Store portions in airtight containers. To reheat use the oven or microwave and add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. If you are planning to freeze cool the pasta completely and use freezer safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out penne for other short pasta shapes such as rotini or rigatoni. Turkey or chicken can easily replace the ground beef for a lighter version. For the cheese if you prefer a sharp flavor go with extra sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses like Colby and Monterey Jack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta bake with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. I often top mine with extra dill pickles or fresh diced tomatoes for a true cheeseburger vibe. Pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce will amp up the flavor for those who like spice.
A Slice of American Comfort
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is a blend of classic Americana flavors. Inspired by the always popular bacon cheeseburger this dish brings together pasta lovers and burger fans alike. It is a perfect example of how American home cooking finds inventive ways to remix family favorites.
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This recipe brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger and turns them into a bubbly oven baked pasta everyone will line up for. Enjoy every creamy cheesy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with ziti, rigatoni, or any short pasta for a similar texture.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Mild cheddar is recommended, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- → How can I make it less heavy?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use leaner ground beef or turkey.
- → Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach when browning the beef and onions.