Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole (Print Version)
Hearty bake with ground beef, crispy bacon, pasta, and sharp cheddar cheese in a smoky, comforting dish.
# Ingredients:
Pasta
01 -
8 ounces elbow pasta (uncooked)
Meat
02 -
8 slices thick-cut bacon
03 -
1 pound ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics
04 -
1 cup diced yellow onion
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1/4 cup diced tomato
07 -
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Sauce & Seasonings
08 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
09 -
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
10 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
14 -
1 cup beef broth
15 -
1 cup whole milk
16 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow pasta until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy on both sides. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Once cooled, chop into small pieces. Discard bacon fat from skillet.
04 -
Using the same skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion. Break up the beef and cook until no longer pink.
05 -
Add minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 -
Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir until fully incorporated with no visible flour remaining.
07 -
Gradually pour in beef broth and whole milk, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened.
08 -
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Fold in cooked pasta and half of the chopped bacon pieces until evenly coated.
09 -
Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining shredded cheese and bacon pieces.
10 -
Bake uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling.
11 -
Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle diced tomato and chopped green onions on top before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, reserve and use bacon grease instead of discarding it when cooking the beef.