Bacon-Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Get ready for a delicious twist on a classic burger in the form of a pasta bake. This prep-free casserole combines the flavors of a juicy burger with macaroni, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. We added ground beef, pickles, American cheese, bacon, and chopped onion to the macaroni, infusing it with the tangy and meaty flavors we crave. A smooth tomato sauce serves as the base, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard for an extra kick. The combination of dill pickles and brown sugar gives the sauce a sweet and pungent flavor reminiscent of pickle relish, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. With slices of creamy American cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of onion as the final toppings, this pasta bake truly captures the essence of a burger. Just be sure to crumble the beef into small pieces to ensure even cooking.

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 ounces (3 cups) elbow macaroni
• 1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• 3 cups water
• 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
• ⅓ cup chopped dill pickles
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
• 4 slices bacon
• 6 slices American cheese
• ½ cup finely chopped onion (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
2. Spread the elbow macaroni evenly into the prepared baking dish. Crumble the ground beef into ½-inch pieces over the top of the macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the water, tomato sauce, chopped dill pickles, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder (or minced garlic), ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
4. Pour the tomato mixture over the macaroni and beef into the baking dish. Toss gently with tongs to combine.
5. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, microwave the bacon on a plate until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into ½-inch pieces.
7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir the pasta thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of the dish. Lay the American cheese slices over the top and sprinkle with the crumbled bacon.
8. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking until the pasta is al dente and the cheese is melted, for 5 to 8 minutes.
9. Let the pasta bake cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped onion, if desired, and serve.

YIELD:

• This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Crumble the ground beef into pieces that measure ½ inch or smaller.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to ensure even cooking.
• Let the pasta bake cool before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

TIPS:

• Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Customize the dish by adding other burger toppings such as sliced tomatoes or lettuce.
• Serve with a side of ketchup or your favorite burger sauce.

In conclusion, this burger-inspired pasta bake is a creative and flavorful twist on classic comfort food. By combining ground beef, pickles, cheese, bacon, and onion with macaroni, you’ll enjoy the delicious taste of a burger in every bite. The tomato sauce, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard, adds depth and tanginess to the dish. With its prep-free nature, this casserole is a convenient and satisfying option for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside your favorite burger toppings for a complete meal. Get ready to savor the flavors of a burger in a delightful pasta bake.