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.