Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further than this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake. It combines the juicy flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the ease and heartiness of a pasta bake. Perfectly saucy, loaded with melty cheese, and topped with crispy turkey bacon, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an indulgent weeknight dinner, this pasta bake delivers all the cheeseburger goodness in every bite.

Why This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake Stands Out

What makes this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake so special? For starters, it balances rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture that’s irresistible. Instead of just tossing beef and cheese together, we simmer the ground beef with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard for that classic cheeseburger punch. The tomato sauce and beef broth create a luscious base that ties everything together.

The addition of turkey bacon adds a smoky crunch without overpowering the dish, while the combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese offers both sharpness and gooey meltiness. Plus, the corkscrew or penne pasta picks up all the sauce, making every forkful satisfying. This bake is an elevated twist on classic comfort food that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.

What Goes Into Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

• 8 oz pasta (corkscrew or penne works best for holding sauce)
• 1 lb ground beef (lean for less grease, but not too lean or it dries out)
• 1 cup chopped onion (adds sweetness and depth)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for savory aroma and flavor)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (smooth, rich base)
• 1 cup beef broth (keeps the bake moist and flavorful)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (boosts umami and complexity)
• 1 tsp mustard (adds slight tang and cheeseburger authenticity)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp and melty)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (gooey, stringy texture)
• 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (smoky topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish (fresh, bright finish)

Equipment & Tools

• Large pot – to boil the pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking the beef and aromatics
• Baking dish (around 9×13 inches) – to bake the pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the beef mixture
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in ingredients
• Colander – to drain the cooked pasta

How to Prepare Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of corkscrew or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add 1 cup of chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon mustard. Mix well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Layer with Cheese and Bacon

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Then, add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon for that signature bacon cheeseburger crunch.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pasta for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on the edges.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions to add a fresh and vibrant touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

• Swap ground beef for ground lamb or chicken for a different protein twist.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.
• Add diced pickles or pickle juice to the sauce for that classic cheeseburger tang.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and texture.
• Top the bake with crushed potato chips before baking for added crunch.

Learn from These Mistakes

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when baked.
• Avoid skipping the mustard and Worcestershire sauce—they are key for authentic cheeseburger flavor.
• Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy bake.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning beef; this helps it brown evenly instead of steaming.
• Let the bake rest a few minutes after coming out of the oven to set and make serving easier.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To keep it tasting fresh, add a sprinkle of fresh green onions or a dash of hot sauce when serving leftovers.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While corkscrew and penne are ideal for holding the sauce, you can use rigatoni, shells, or even macaroni. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type.

Is turkey bacon the only bacon option?

You can use any type of cooked bacon you prefer. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative with great flavor, but traditional pork bacon or beef bacon also work well.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture when sautéing the onions and garlic, or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. A drizzle of hot sauce before serving also amps up the heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.

Try These Next

• Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti – another cheesy, saucy pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners.
• Creamy Ranch Bacon Penne Pasta – a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with the smoky crunch of bacon and tangy ranch seasoning.
• Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman – a savory pie that captures the essence of a cheeseburger in a flaky crust.

Before You Go

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, smoky, and hearty. It’s simple to prepare yet feels indulgent and special. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins or cheeses. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, keep this recipe in your rotation for guaranteed satisfaction.

Enjoy every melty, flavorful bite of this delicious pasta bake!

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