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There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of a bubbling casserole wafting through the house. It’s the kind of smell that instantly transports you back to childhood, where dinner was a family affair and comfort food was the highlight of the day. This Cheesy Bacon Bliss Pasta Bake is inspired by those nostalgic evenings when the kitchen filled with laughter and the table overflowed with hearty dishes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this pasta bake is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a dish.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

Discover the comforting joy of Cheesy Bacon Bliss Pasta Bake, a delightful dish that brings back nostalgic memories of family dinners. This recipe features flavorful ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich blend of creamy cheeses, all enveloped in a luscious sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings, it's an easy and satisfying way to indulge in comfort food. Embrace the warmth and love of home-cooked meals with this delicious pasta bake!

Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni

1 lb ground beef

8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup beef broth

1 cup sour cream

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup pickles, diced (optional, for a tangy twist)

Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, but leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.

        Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, crispy bacon, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. If desired, fold in the diced pickles for an extra burst of flavor.

            Add Cheese: Gently fold in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture, reserving the other half for topping.

              Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch (or similar size) casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

                Cook in the Oven: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for freshness and serve warm.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | Serves 6-8