Description
Comforting turkey bacon cheeseburger noodle bake delivers hearty midwestern flavors in one delicious casserole. Cheese-covered noodles and savory meat create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 4 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in generously salted water until it reaches a tender al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles. As the meat browns, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft.
- Drain any excess grease from the meat mixture to reduce unnecessary fat content. Incorporate crumbled turkey bacon into the skillet, introducing a smoky flavor profile.
- Season the meat mixture with ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together for 4-5 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Transfer the seasoned meat to a spacious mixing bowl. Add the cooked macaroni and milk, gently stirring to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer. Sprinkle a generous blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that reduces overall fat content.
- Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pasta like chickpea or lentil noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- For vegetarian adaptation, replace meat with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for similar texture and umami flavor profile.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium turkey bacon and reducing added salt, making the dish more heart-healthy without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg