Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni blends classic burger flavors with comforting pasta perfection. Meaty, cheesy goodness awaits when you dive into this irresistible dish that promises a delicious twist on traditional cheeseburger expectations.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 3 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) rigatoni
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 diced tomato (seeds removed)
- ½ cup chopped pickles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded sharp or smoked cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat, seasoning with a delicate balance of salt and black pepper until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
- Elevate the heat to medium and introduce seasoned ground beef, methodically breaking it apart while cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish by lightly greasing with cooking spray or butter, then preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- After cooking, carefully drain any excess grease from the beef to ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef with marinara and barbecue sauces, red wine vinegar, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, cooked rigatoni, and three-quarters cup of shredded cheese, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer and strategically distributing remaining cheese, additional pickles, and tomatoes across the top surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the edges become bubbly and slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and immediately garnish with crispy crumbled bacon pieces, serving the dish hot and fresh directly from the baking dish.
Notes
Recipe Card Notes:
- Customize this dish by swapping ground beef with turkey for a leaner option.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Fresh ingredients like crisp tomatoes and crunchy pickles elevate the burger-inspired flavor profile.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare entire casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate before baking.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete this hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 556 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 72mg