Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake (Print Version)

Hearty skillet beef, bacon, and cheddar baked with pasta for a rich, satisfying meal everyone enjoys.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 pounds ground beef
02 - 1 packet bacon, diced
03 - 1/2 yellow onion, diced
04 - 12 ounces penne pasta

→ Seasonings and Sauces

05 - 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon dill relish

→ Sauce Base

10 - 8 ounces tomato sauce
11 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

→ Cheese

12 - 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on paper towel-lined plate.
03 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and ground beef. Cook, breaking beef apart with a spoon, until beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the pan.
04 - Sprinkle Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder over browned beef and onions. Stir well to evenly coat.
05 - Add Worcestershire sauce, dill relish, tomato sauce, and heavy whipping cream to the pan. Stir to fully blend liquids into the mixture.
06 - Add 1 cup shredded cheddar and half of the cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and all ingredients are combined.
07 - Fold cooked penne into the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to achieve even distribution.
08 - Transfer pasta blend to a baking dish. Top evenly with remaining shredded cheese and remaining bacon. Bake at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven and serve immediately, ensuring each portion is topped with melted cheese and bacon.

# Notes:

01 - For a crispier finish, broil briefly until cheese is lightly golden. Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes before slicing for clean portions.