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Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

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This comforting casserole combines smoky bacon, hearty ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta for a crowd-pleasing, nostalgic dinner. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne or elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: chop bacon, dice onion, mince garlic, and shred cheeses. Measure everything and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (6-7 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon (5-7 minutes). Add diced onion and cook until softened (3 minutes). Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 more minutes, mixing well. Remove from heat.
  5. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, cream cheese, mustard, and half the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Blend until completely smooth.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, add drained pasta, bacon-beef mixture, and creamy cheese sauce. Stir gently until well coated. Fold in remaining shredded cheese. If mixture seems dry, add a splash of milk.
  7. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle reserved cheddar over the top. Add chopped pickles and sliced green onions if using. (Optional: add crushed crackers or panko for a crispier top.)
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling around the edges. If top isn’t browned enough, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
  10. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Blend cottage cheese for a smooth sauce. Use block cheese and shred yourself for best melting. For gluten-free, swap pasta for GF brand and undercook by a minute. Let bake rest before slicing for clean servings. Add veggies or swap proteins for easy customization. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger pasta bake, creamy casserole, family dinner, comfort food, pasta bake, weeknight meal, kid-friendly, easy recipe

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