Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
‘Pasta bake’ typically indicates that there’s cheese involved, which means we’re automatically signed up. Our bacon cheeseburger pasta bake will knock your socks off. The kids will cheer! Basically, this dish is the equivalent of world peace packaged up in an 8″ square casserole pan and delivered hot.
This meal is table-ready in just about an hour, making it a nice weekday go-to when you’re busy with work, kids and extracurricular commitments. It’s also a solid choice for a potluck, since it’s hearty and can be prepared in advance. If you are sensitive to wheat, just substitute einkorn or gluten-free pasta instead.
If you’re feeling a little crazy, toss in a few additional hamburger favorites like mushroom, jalapeño and red onion (instead of the yellow)—it’s a great way to personalize this recipe to fit your family’s palette. Serve with ketchup, fresh salsa or enjoy plain.
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup spiral pasta, (traditional, einkorn or gluten-free)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tsp beef bouillon, 2 small beef bouillon cubes
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup flour, (all-purpose, einkorn or gluten-free)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees then coat an 8" square casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Fill a medium-sized saucepan half-full of water then bring to a boil over high heat. When water boils, add a heavy pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook for half the amount of time called for on the box directions then drain and set aside.
- Next, place a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, add diced bacon then cook approximately 6-7 minutes until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Drain all but 2 Tbsp of bacon grease from the skillet, return the pan to the stove and adjust the heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook approximately 5–6 minutes until no pink remains then add diced onion and beef bouillon. Stir to combine and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until the onions are translucent. Remove skillet from the heat and drain excess grease.
- Once beef has been drained, stir in reserved pasta, 1 cup shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and bacon pieces then transfer the entire mixture to pre-prepped casserole dish. Smooth mixture into an even layer then set aside.
- Pour milk into a medium-sized mixing bowl and begin whisking. Slowly sprinkle in flour while whisking constantly—this will help avoid any lumps. Add onion powder, salt and beaten eggs, whisking thoroughly until combined. Pour milk mixture over the beef and jiggle the pan a bit to allow everything to combine.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until the top is nicely browned and the center is set and firm to the touch. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Return dish to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes—just long enough to melt the cheese. Remove casserole from the oven then allow it to cool 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
