Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake (Print Format)
Tender pasta mixed with rich beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar for a hearty, flavorful baked dish.
# Ingredients:
→ Meat
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
02 -
8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
→ Pasta
03 -
12 oz penne pasta
→ Vegetables & Seasonings
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
2 tsp Montreal steak seasoning
06 -
1 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1 tsp onion powder
08 -
2 tbsp dill pickle relish
→ Sauces & Dairy
09 -
1 cup tomato sauce (no added sugar)
10 -
½ cup heavy whipping cream
11 -
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
12 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Other
13 -
1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing pasta)
# Steps:
01 -
Cook penne pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
02 -
Place diced bacon in a cold large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until bacon is crisp and golden. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon onto paper towels, leaving bacon fat in skillet.
03 -
Add diced onions and ground beef to bacon fat in skillet. Break up meat with spoon and cook over medium heat until beef is fully browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease, leaving a small amount for flavor.
04 -
Sprinkle Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder over beef and onions. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 2 more minutes to release spices' aroma.
05 -
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dill relish, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and develops a creamy orange hue.
06 -
Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked bacon pieces while skillet is warm, stirring until cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce evenly.
07 -
Add drained pasta to the skillet and fold together gently until all pasta tubes are coated with the cheesy meat sauce.
08 -
Transfer mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Rest for a few minutes before serving.
# Tips:
01 -
Shred cheese from a block for better melting. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness. Adjust seasoning before baking for preferred taste.