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Home / Comfort Food

One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake (No Boil)

4.24
/5
40 minutes
20 Comments
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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 01/03/2018

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.


This amazing bacon cheeseburger pasta bake is made entirely in one pan, and with NO boiling required! The pasta cooks in the pan while it bakes!


My favorite one pan pasta meal ever… since there’s no boiling required, AND no babysitting the pan on the stovetop.  Just pop it in the oven and enjoy the deliciousness!!  Great bacon cheeseburger flavors, with just 10 minutes of prep (and no prep-cooking!).

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No-Boil One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake | This weeknight dinner recipe is a tasty twist on an American classic, the bacon cheeseburger.  One pan, no pre-cooking the beef, and no boiling the pasta... it all bakes together into the best bacon cheeseburger pasta bake or casserole ever!! | The Chunky Chef | #baconcheeseburger #cheeseburger #pastabake #casserolerecipe #onepanmeal #onepotmeal #weeknightdinnerrecipe

Happy 2018!!  That’s still so weird to type… it’s going to take some getting used to.  I’m that person who is still writing the previous year for like 5 months into the new year.  Absentmindedness at it’s best I suppose!  Anyway, did you have a fantastic holiday and New Years Eve?  I sure hope so.

Ours was amazing.  We spent plenty of time as a family, had a wonderful Christmas holiday, our daughter got to spend some time with her Grandparents, hubby and I had a long overdue impromptu lunch date (kidless!!), and we both got to actually take some time OFF.

One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta in baking dish

We didn’t take any vacation this year, so my husband had some vacation time to use up and took off the week between Christmas and New Years, and I actually took some time off too.  Well…. sort of.  This job, for me, is a 7 day a week job, so I’m always working in some way, shape, or form.  I don’t mean for that to sound like I don’t like it, because honestly, I love what I do and even though it can be grueling at times, I genuinely love it and it doesn’t feel like “work” 🙂  So last week I took the week off of content creation (actually putting new posts up and promoting them), and just worked ahead shooting two new recipes and some light photo editing.  It was blissful!

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake (no boil)

Look at me, chit-chatting away instead of getting to the reason you’re here today… to get this fantastic pasta bake recipe!  The story had a purpose though… to say that while that break was amazing, it’s back to work full force this week, which means I’m reaching for some go-to, easy one pan meals… like this bacon cheeseburger pasta bake!

I’ve got a collection of one pot meals here on the blog, and you all have reached out to me quite a bit to say that those are the meals you love the most… so I’m super happy to bring this one to you today!

No Boil One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

This pasta bake is a little different though.  For most one pot meals, you have to cook the protein first, then the pasta cooks in the pot while it simmers on the stove.  Easy enough right?  But what if I told you it could get even EASIER??!

There’s no need for boiling water here, no need to babysit a pot of simmering pasta, and no need to cook the beef beforehand.  That’s right… you just add everything to the baking dish, cover it, and pop it in the oven.  The beef cooks IN the oven, so you don’t have to spend time browning the meat!

No Boil One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake on plate

I realize that might be a little weird for some of you, and if you’re not comfortable putting everything in raw… no worries.  There are instructions in the recipe notes section for how to cook this recipe with browned beef.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THIS BACON CHEESEBURGER PASTA BAKE:

  • Make sure you’re measuring things.  Normally I’m not super precise when cooking, but in this case, the ingredient amounts are set to make sure the pasta cooks fully, without a bunch of excess liquid.
  • If you don’t want meat-covered hands, use some nitrile or latex gloves… they’re lifesavers!
  • If you’re not an American cheese fan, use slices of whatever cheese you like on your cheeseburgers.
  • The bacon and onion on top really takes this dish from good to great, so if you can, definitely add them!
  • Parsley is optional.  I always add something fresh to baked dishes, plus I wanted the photos to look pretty.
  • I’ve never made this with other pasta types, but I think a small to medium shell pasta should work just as well.

HELPFUL TOOLS:

  • 9×13″ baking dish – my actual baking dish pictured in this post is from Sur La Table, but I have this pan and it works beautifully!
  • Big mixing bowl – with a variety of sizes, easy to clean stainless, non-slip bases, measurement marks on the inside, lids, AND grater attachments… these are my new favorite bowls, ever!!
  • Nitrile gloves – I don’t have a latex allergy, I just think the nitrile ones are sturdier.  Great for any time you’ll be handling raw meats, hot peppers or pungent garlic!

WANT TO TRY THIS BACON CHEESEBURGER PASTA BAKE?

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Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

No-Boil One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake | This weeknight dinner recipe is a tasty twist on an American classic, the bacon cheeseburger.  One pan, no pre-cooking the beef, and no boiling the pasta... it all bakes together into the best bacon cheeseburger pasta bake or casserole ever!! | The Chunky Chef | #baconcheeseburger #cheeseburger #pastabake #casserolerecipe #onepanmeal #onepotmeal #weeknightdinnerrecipe

One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake (No Boil)

4.24 from 17 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 564
Servings: 6 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
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This amazing bacon cheeseburger pasta bake is made entirely in one pan, and with NO boiling required! The pasta cooks in the pan while it bakes!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles (plus more for garnishing, if desired)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp ground dry mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (I use 85/15 or 90/10)
  • 3 cups dried, uncooked elbow macaroni pasta (about 12 oz)
  • 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 6-7 slices American cheese
  • 1/3 cup yellow onion, finely diced (optional)
  • minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 475 F degrees.  Lightly spray a 9x13" casserole dish (or other oven safe 3 qt baking pan) with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.
  • To a large mixing bowl, add water, tomato sauce, pickles, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Whisk to combine well.  
  • Using your fingers (I like to wear gloves for this part), crumble beef into small 1/2" pieces and add them to the mixing bowl.  Add in dried macaroni and stir to combine.
  • Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove dish from the oven, remove foil, and stir well (don't forget the bottom of the dish and the sides too!).  Top pasta with American cheese slices and crumbled bacon.
  • Leave UNcovered and return to oven to bake another 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted.
  • Let dish cool 5-10 minutes before serving.  Top with finely minced onion, chopped pickles and/or fresh parsley if desired.  

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

TO MAKE USING COOKED GROUND BEEF:
Use a pot that can go from stovetop to the oven (this enameled cast iron buffet pan is my go-to).  Crisp bacon in pan on the stovetop, then remove to a paper towel lined plate.  Add beef and lightly brown (as in, don't cook it 100% all the way through), crumbling as it cooks.  Drain beef.
Continue with recipe instructions as written, with the following exceptions:
  • Don't spray a 9x13" dish, you'll be using the one you cooked the bacon and beef in.
  • No need to crumble the raw beef, you've already cooked it.  Just add in the browned beef at the point the recipe calls for the raw meat.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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No-Boil One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake | This weeknight dinner recipe is a tasty twist on an American classic, the bacon cheeseburger.  One pan, no pre-cooking the beef, and no boiling the pasta... it all bakes together into the best bacon cheeseburger pasta bake or casserole ever!! | The Chunky Chef | #baconcheeseburger #cheeseburger #pastabake #casserolerecipe #onepanmeal #onepotmeal #weeknightdinnerrecipe

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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Recipe Rating




  1. Pat says

    Posted on 12/28 at 7:51 pm

    Loved it! But I will use a bit less water. And use cheddar cheese instead of processed cheese

    Reply
  2. Iris McGhee says

    Posted on 6/13 at 4:10 pm

    This was super wat and I had fun making it is super delicious I’m amazed this is my second dish from this site I love or

    Reply
  3. Tiff says

    Posted on 11/13 at 5:51 pm

    Delicious flavor!!! But mine turned out like soup 🤔

    Reply
  4. Trena L Robitaille says

    Posted on 10/15 at 5:24 pm

    I tried this recipe! Made it according to recipe and directionns to a T! My whole family didn’t like it 🙁 pasta way over cooked… The flavour was weird, we ended up eating hot cross buns for dinner!

    Reply
  5. Nadia says

    Posted on 8/24 at 3:03 pm

    Just had to make a few tweaks. It came out a little watery so I just skimmed it off.

    Next time I’ll cut back on the water but keep the tomato sauce amount the same.

    Also instead of sliced cheese and macaronis we used shredded cheddar, shell pasta and topped with a little BBQ sauce drizzle…

    Family loved it!!!

    Reply
  6. Rachel says

    Posted on 8/24 at 9:18 am

    Could I make this and put it in the fridge overnight or will that mess with the water/noodle cooking?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 8/26 at 9:58 am

      I think the noodles may start to soak up the water, unfortunately.

      Reply
      • SuzyB says

        Posted on 9/15 at 7:31 am

        If I were to try to freeze this would you suggest baking first and reheating or freezing the uncooked casserole and baking it after I’ve frozen and thawed the raw mixture?

        Reply
        • Amanda says

          Posted on 9/15 at 9:02 am

          I’ve not tested freezing this recipe, so I can’t say for certain. I would guess to bake it first, then cool and freeze.

          Reply
  7. Amanda says

    Posted on 8/19 at 12:48 am

    Made this a little while ago looking for ways to simplify the old and trusted casserole dinner. I think precooking just to throw it all in the oven is a bit odd and time-consuming when it shouldn’t necessarily be. Since then it’s been made several times. So delicious! And really does taste cheeseburger-y, but without the extra cost of that takeaway run! 😉
    Thanks for the awesome idea.

    Reply
  8. Sara says

    Posted on 2/17 at 8:14 pm

    Word to the wise… I thought I could substitute the Protein Plus penne pasta that we use often at my house. It didn’t work out well! Next time I will stick with regular old macaroni. Or reduce the liquid by a lot! We have Bacon Cheeseburger Soup right now! 😂

    Reply
  9. Lisa says

    Posted on 12/11 at 11:52 pm

    Made this for a houseful of boys, they loved it!! Super easy and delicious. Will be a regular in this house!

    Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    Posted on 11/11 at 7:31 pm

    This literally tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger! My entire family loved it, even my picky teens. This recipe is definitely a keeper. We doubled the recipe and did the cast iron pan method using cooked bacon and beef. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  11. Bruce H. says

    Posted on 2/7 at 8:46 pm

    Made this for a group of about 60 people. Super easy and everyone loved it.

    Reply
  12. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    Posted on 1/5 at 12:07 am

    I love how easy this dish is to make! So cheesy and delicious!

    Reply
  13. Paula - bell'alimento says

    Posted on 1/4 at 8:57 pm

    Such an effortless meal – perfect for busy weeknights!

    Reply
  14. Valerie | Valerie's Kitchen says

    Posted on 1/4 at 7:26 pm

    This is totally my kind of dish. My family will love it!

    Reply
  15. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

    Posted on 1/4 at 6:35 pm

    My son is going to flip! All of his favorite things in one dish!

    Reply
  16. Paula says

    Posted on 1/4 at 12:27 pm

    great for potlucks and I love the bits of bacon!

    Reply
  17. Demeter says

    Posted on 1/4 at 11:28 am

    Your photos are fantastic! I’m glad you were able to get time “off”!

    Reply

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