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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

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This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta bake combines all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with the comfort of a cheesy pasta casserole. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced pickles (optional, dill recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, extra pickles, burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until onion softens, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Add a splash of milk or pasta water if too thick.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, half the bacon, 1 cup cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and pickles if using. Stir to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and bacon. Add optional toppings if desired.
  9. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with more pickles or favorite burger toppings if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt. Don’t overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven. Customize with extra veggies, spicy additions, or gluten-free/dairy-free swaps as needed. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to keep them creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger pasta bake, cheeseburger casserole, pasta bake, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, family meal, ground beef, bacon, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/loaded-bacon-cheeseburger-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner/