Get ready to experience the ultimate fusion of flavors, where the bold taste of bacon and the creamy goodness of ranch collide in a sensational pasta bake that will have your taste buds dancing with pure excitement. This Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is the stuff that culinary legends are made of – a revolutionary dish that’s about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
This epic pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food with a seriously addictive twist. Imagine all the juicy, savory goodness of a cheeseburger, combined with the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon and creamy ranch. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more, and trust me, one bite is never enough. This dish is the perfect way to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary food adventure that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe.
Ingredients
Get ready to load up on some seriously epic ingredients, y’all! You’ll need ground beef, bacon, onion, garlic, elbow macaroni, cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few other pantry staples to create this culinary masterpiece.
- 1 lb ground beef – for that juicy cheeseburger flavor
- 12 oz bacon – because everything’s better with bacon!
- 1 onion, diced – adds savory depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – brings the aromatics
- 8 oz elbow macaroni – the perfect pasta shape for this dish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles (for a leaner protein option)
- Ranch Dressing: Your favorite creamy cheese sauce or zesty marinara (if you’re not a ranch fan)
How to Make Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
First, let’s get the party started by cooking up that crispy, irresistible bacon. While the bacon is sizzling, go ahead and cook the pasta to al dente perfection. Don’t forget to reserve a little of that starchy pasta water – it’s the secret weapon that’s going to help bring this dish together.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, let’s get the party started by cooking up that crispy, irresistible bacon. While the bacon is sizzling, go ahead and cook the pasta to al dente perfection. Don’t forget to reserve a little of that starchy pasta water – it’s the secret weapon that’s going to help bring this dish together.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to work some culinary magic. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re fragrant and golden. Then, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, and get ready to take this dish to the next level.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now, the real fun begins! Grab that cream cheese and ranch dressing and let’s get to work. Stir them into the ground beef mixture until everything is perfectly combined and creamy. Then, add in the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss everything together, making sure all the flavors are beautifully incorporated.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
The final step is to transfer the cheesy, bacony goodness into a baking dish and bake it until it’s hot, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, the aroma alone is going to have your family and friends rushing to the table.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: Add in some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Fresh Touch: Toss in some diced tomatoes for a touch of freshness.
- Pasta Swap: Try using your favorite pasta shape instead of elbow macaroni.
- Crunchy Topping: Top it with crispy fried onions or crushed Doritos for an epic flavor explosion.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bake as usual when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Alright, let’s be real – this dish isn’t exactly a health food, but sometimes you just need to indulge in something truly epic. Each serving packs a whopping 550 calories, 30 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbs. But trust me, every single calorie is worth it.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is the perfect make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen.
Can I freeze this recipe?
You bet! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can use pretty much any short pasta shape you like. Penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would all work beautifully in this recipe.
How can I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, try using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of beef. You can also swap out the full-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing for their lighter counterparts. And don’t forget, a nice fresh salad on the side is the perfect way to balance out all that cheesy, bacony goodness.
What should I serve with this pasta bake?
The options are endless, my friend! This dish is the ultimate main course, so you can keep things simple with a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread. Or, if you’re feeling extra bold, try pairing it with some crispy roasted brussels sprouts or a batch of homemade onion rings for a truly epic meal.
Try These Next
- Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites
- Loaded Chili Cheese Bacon Fries With Ranch Drizzle
- Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake is a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It’s packed with flavor from crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and creamy ranch dressing, all baked together with pasta and cheese.
Ingredients
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 1 lb ground beef
– 8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 packet ranch dressing mix
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. 3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. 4. Stir in the cooked bacon, ranch dressing mix, sour cream, and cooked macaroni. Mix until well combined.
6. 5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. 6. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
8. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. 8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. 9. Garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese. This dish is great for leftovers and can be easily reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg