Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

This bacon cheeseburger pasta bake transforms everyone's favorite burger into a hearty, comforting casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights. The rich combination of savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and melted cheese creates a dish that both kids and adults will devour.

I first created this recipe when my teenage son brought home three hungry friends after basketball practice. They demolished the entire pan and now request it every time they visit. It's become our go to comfort food when we want something indulgent but don't want to fire up the grill.

• Ground beef provides the classic burger base make sure to get at least 80/20 for best flavor
• Bacon adds smoky depth and crispy texture use thick cut for more substantial bites
• Yellow onion creates essential sweetness and foundation flavor
• Penne pasta holds up well to the hearty sauce select a quality brand that keeps its shape
• Montreal steak seasoning delivers complex flavor in one blend look for one with visible pepper corns
• Garlic and onion powders amplify the savory notes without overpowering
• Worcestershire sauce adds that unmistakable umami burger flavor
• Dill relish gives the authentic burger pickle tang choose a good quality brand
• Tomato sauce creates the base for our creamy sauce use an unflavored variety
• Heavy whipping cream transforms this from basic pasta to luxurious comfort food
• Cheddar cheese melts beautifully throughout the dish freshly grated melts more evenly than pre shredded

How To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Prepare the pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt the pasta water should taste like seawater. Add the penne and cook until just al dente about 9 minutes depending on your brand. You want it slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to preserve the starch that helps sauce adhere.

Crisp the bacon

While the pasta cooks heat a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat. Add the diced bacon pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and crispy about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease leaving the flavorful bacon fat in the pan.

Brown the beef and aromatics

Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the ground beef breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned and no pink remains about 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully drain off excess fat while retaining some for flavor.

Season the mixture

Sprinkle the Montreal steak seasoning garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the meat mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are distributed throughout. Add the Worcestershire sauce and dill relish stirring to incorporate all flavors. Let this mixture cook for about 1 minute to allow the seasonings to bloom.

Create the sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Reduce heat to medium low and let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors. Add the heavy cream in a slow stream while stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Simmer gently for another 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Combine components

Add half of the cheddar cheese and half of the reserved bacon to the sauce stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth consistency. Gently fold in the cooked penne ensuring each piece gets coated with the creamy meat sauce. If not using an oven safe skillet transfer everything to a 9x13 baking dish.

Finish and bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly across the top of the pasta mixture. Place in a preheated 175°C oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted bubbly and beginning to develop golden spots. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

My grandmother would be shocked to see this modern twist on pasta but the dill relish is actually inspired by her special burger sauce. She always said a little tang cuts through richness and makes flavors pop. My family fights over the crispy cheese corners so I sometimes use a wider baking dish to maximize that crunchy surface area.

Make Ahead Options

This pasta bake shines as a meal prep superstar. You can prepare it completely up to the baking stage cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. You might need to add 5 to 10 extra minutes of baking time if it's coming straight from the refrigerator. For longer storage freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. The texture remains remarkably consistent unlike many pasta dishes that can become mushy after freezing.

Easy Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as a lighter alternative to beef just add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory flavor. Dairy free? Replace the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk and use your favorite plant based cheese. The pasta is equally adaptable with rigatoni shells or farfalle all holding up well to the robust sauce. For a spicier kick add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or substitute pepper jack for part of the cheddar cheese. When I'm looking for an extra veggie boost I sometimes stir in a cup of finely chopped bell peppers or grated zucchini during the beef cooking phase.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this hearty pasta bake into a complete meal with simple complementary sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides perfect contrast to the rich pasta. For true burger authenticity serve with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted brussels sprouts. When hosting I often set out small bowls of traditional burger toppings like extra pickle relish sliced jalapeños diced tomatoes and even some extra bacon bits so everyone can customize their portion. A chilled beer or sparkling lemonade makes for the perfect beverage pairing depending on your preference. For an extra special touch lightly toast some sesame seed hamburger buns and serve them alongside to scoop up any remaining sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the penne with other medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook until al dente as the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the oven.

→ What can I substitute for Montreal steak seasoning?

If you don't have Montreal steak seasoning, you can make your own by combining salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, dill, and red pepper flakes.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake for 20-25 minutes at 175°C until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta bake?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent companions to balance the richness of this hearty dish.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

→ Is there a lighter version I can make?

For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey, turkey bacon, whole wheat pasta, and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese.