Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces egg noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake

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Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake

Home

Baking

Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake

April 8, 2025

Author : Megan C

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Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake: A Comforting, Cheesy Masterpiece �🧀🥓🔥

1. Introduction

If you’re craving the irresistible flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a comforting pasta dish, this Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake is your answer! Combining juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tender egg noodles, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. The rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese topping make every bite a delight. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to perfection in just 30 minutes!

This recipe takes all the classic elements of your favorite burger – the smoky bacon, savory beef, and melted cheese – and transforms them into a hearty baked pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect solution when you want something more substantial than a sandwich but with all those familiar, comforting flavors we all love.

Finished Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake with melted cheese, ready to serve.

2. Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish. The beauty of this recipe is that most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.

8 oz egg noodles – The classic choice for this dish, but you can substitute with your favorite pasta shape
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor) – The slightly higher fat content adds incredible flavor and juiciness
6 slices bacon, chopped – For that signature smoky crunch
1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor
2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for building flavor
1 cup tomato sauce – Creates the perfect saucy base
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – The secret ingredient that adds umami depth
1 tsp mustard – A classic burger condiment that works perfectly here
1 tsp paprika – Adds warmth and color
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that classic cheeseburger taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates the perfect melty texture
Salt & pepper to taste – Essential seasonings
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness

For those looking for more delicious dinner inspiration, check out this variation of Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake that offers some creative twists on the classic recipe.

3. Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is important as it seasons the noodles from the inside out. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes). You want them slightly firm as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside. Pro tip: toss them with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking if you’re not using them immediately.

Boiling water in a pot ready for egg noodles in Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef

In a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat distribution), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet – this will add incredible flavor to your beef.

Add the ground beef and diced onion to the same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is well-browned and the onions are softened and translucent (about 5-6 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Drain any excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.

Bacon and ground beef cooking in a skillet for Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika. The Worcestershire sauce is key here – it adds that special umami flavor that makes this dish taste like a true cheeseburger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and cheese will add saltiness, so go easy at first.

Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Make sure every noodle gets coated with that delicious sauce. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of beef broth or water.

Combining noodles, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce for Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the noodle mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or similar sized casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, creating an even layer that will melt into golden perfection.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots. If you like an extra crispy cheese top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Baking dish with Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake mixture topped with cheese.

4. Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with some perfect pairings:

Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adding crunch.
Pickle Spears: Serve on the side for that authentic burger experience.
Burger Sauce: Drizzle some special sauce on top for extra flavor – mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish.

For more family-friendly meal ideas that pair well with this dish, visit Meals Mom where you’ll find plenty of inspiration for complete dinner menus.

5. Storage & Reheating

This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked dish (without garnishes) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

6. Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs:

Turkey Bacon & Lean Beef: For a lighter version, swap regular bacon for turkey bacon and use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles (rice or corn-based work well) to make this dish gluten-free.
Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for spice, gouda for smokiness, or American for that classic burger taste.
Pasta Alternatives: While egg noodles are traditional, penne, rotini, or even macaroni work great too.

7. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake will become a regular in your dinner rotation:

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the familiar flavors presented in a new way.
Comfort Food Perfection: It’s the ultimate in cheesy, meaty comfort food.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible to cooks of all levels.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
Versatile: Easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, game day, or any gathering.

8. FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, penne, rotini, or macaroni work well too. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Definitely. Freeze before baking for best results. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating.

Q: What’s the best way to get crispy bacon?
A: Start with a cold skillet, add chopped bacon, then cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This renders the fat slowly for perfectly crisp bacon.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While you can, freshly shredded cheese melts better as pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents. But in a pinch, pre-shredded works fine.

9. Conclusion

This Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the beloved flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a hearty, satisfying pasta dish. It’s the perfect solution when you want something more substantial than a sandwich but with all those familiar, comforting flavors we all love.

With its simple preparation, affordable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for the perfect potluck dish, this cheesy, bacon-packed bake delivers on all fronts.

So why not give it a try tonight? Gather your ingredients, follow our easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a dish that combines the best of burgers and pasta in one delicious bake. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you! 🍔🧀🔥