Baked Pasta with Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar – A Cheesy, Hearty Casserole

This Baked Pasta with Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar is what comfort food dreams are made of. Loaded with seasoned beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s tossed with pasta and baked under a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just need a cozy dinner that hits the spot, this pasta bake is a guaranteed hit—easy to make, big on flavor, and loved by all ages.

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Why I Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this dish:

• Full of texture and flavor—crumbled bacon, hearty beef, melty cheddar, and golden breadcrumbs
• One dish = full meal—no sides needed
• Make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully
• Perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a potluck

It’s that magic combination of simplicity and indulgence.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, shells)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Optional Add-Ins & Swaps

• Use smoked gouda or mozzarella for a different cheese blend
• Stir in cooked veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
• Add a splash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper for heat
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta
   Boil pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the beef
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add tomato base
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Combine the bake
   In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
6. Assemble the dish
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.
7. Add breadcrumb topping
   In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
8. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.
9. Garnish and serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

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Tips for Success

• Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from getting mushy in the oven.
• For crispier bacon, cook until deeply browned and let cool on paper towels before crumbling.
• Let the casserole rest before serving—this helps everything set for cleaner scooping.
• Want extra crunch? Add a handful of crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes to the breadcrumb topping.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair this dish with:

• Dorito Casserole if you’re serving a crowd with big appetites
• Chicken Enchiladas for a two-casserole dinner party
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas to keep the comfort food train rolling
• A chilled glass of Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing balance
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for dessert—because cheesy dinner deserves a sweet reward

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Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F
• Freeze: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole (without breadcrumb topping) for up to 2 months. Add topping before baking

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this kind of bold, cheesy comfort food, try:

• Dorito Casserole
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas

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Final Thoughts

This Baked Pasta with Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar is everything comfort food should be—cheesy, satisfying, and easy to make. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy nights.

Try it once and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. If you make it, tag @chefmaniac and show off your bubbly, cheesy masterpiece!