Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish combining smoky turkey bacon, ground beef, and melty cheeses for a delicious family-friendly meal.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
- Baking dish (about 9x13 inches)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz turkey bacon chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz diced tomatoes undrained, canned
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce non-alcoholic
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Return the turkey bacon to the skillet. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If your skillet isn’t ovenproof, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheat in microwave or oven.
- This pasta bake freezes well for up to 2 months; freeze before or after baking.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon for a richer flavor.
- Make vegetarian by replacing meats with plant-based alternatives and using vegetable broth.