Imagine the savory goodness of a bacon cheeseburger combined with the comforting warmth of a pasta bake. That’s exactly what you get with this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake. This dish brings together the best of two worlds—cheeseburgers and pasta—for a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, needing a quick weeknight meal, or looking for a dish to impress at a potluck, this recipe checks all the boxes. The creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon bits, and tender pasta make for a delicious, hearty meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ground beef or pasta you might have on hand. So, if you’re a fan of classic comfort food with a twist, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is definitely worth trying!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheeses. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Crisp the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Prepare
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside to cool before crumbling. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Pre-measure all other ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Start with boiling the pasta so it’s ready to mix with the sauce later.
- Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Brown the ground beef, then cook the onion and garlic until soft. This builds the base flavor.
- Mix and Bake: Once the pasta and beef mixture are ready, combine them in a baking dish, top with cheese and bacon, and bake until golden.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 6-8 servings
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just ensure it holds the sauce well.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
- You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I use instead of bacon?
- Turkey bacon or even cooked sausage crumbles can be great alternatives.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a dish. The rich flavors of beef, bacon, and cheese, combined with perfectly cooked pasta, make this recipe a go-to for any comfort food craving. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it both convenient and delicious. Try this recipe out today, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake. A delightful blend of savory beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. It’s easy to make and packed with classic cheeseburger flavors, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheeses until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Bacon Cheeseburger, Pasta Bake, Comfort Food