Zesty Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni Recipe for Family Dinners

Sizzling skillet meets comfort food with this mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger rigatoni that promises pure culinary magic.

Hearty pasta spirals capture every savory morsel of ground beef and crispy bacon bits.

Melted cheese cascades through each delectable noodle, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Classic burger ingredients merge seamlessly with robust pasta, delivering a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners just got an extraordinary upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Cheese lovers and burger enthusiasts will absolutely devour every single bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with a recipe that blends familiar flavors into something spectacular.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Delivers rich, hearty flavor and main protein source, choose lean cuts for balanced taste.
• Rigatoni: Sturdy pasta shape perfect for holding thick sauce, select high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.
• Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and depth, use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor impact.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth base for dish, select ripe, robust tomato sauce.
• Barbecue Sauce: Introduces sweet and tangy profile, opt for quality brand with balanced flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides bright, acidic note to cut through richness.
• Olive Oil: Helps develop smooth cooking base, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Onion: Builds foundational savory undertone, select fresh, firm onions.
• Garlic: Intensifies overall flavor complexity, pick firm, fragrant cloves.

• Tomato: Adds fresh brightness and color, choose ripe, firm tomatoes.
• Pickles: Introduces tangy, crisp element, select crunchy dill pickles.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, creamy finish, choose high-quality, aged cheese.
• Coarse Salt and Black Pepper: Balances and elevates entire dish's seasoning profile.

Tools to Cook Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning ground beef.
• Casserole dish (9×13 inch): Essential for baking the pasta and creating a delicious one-pan meal.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure cheese and other ingredients.
• Cheese grater (optional): If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Cutting board: For chopping tomatoes and pickles.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping ingredients precisely.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni Quickly

• Flavor Foundation

Start by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet, creating a rich aromatic base that sets the stage for a mouthwatering meal.

• Beef Transformation

Brown the ground beef in the same skillet, breaking it into crumbly bits until it’s perfectly cooked and develops a delicious golden color.

• Pasta Preparation

Cook rigatoni in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside ready for the next step.

• Sauce Symphony

Combine savory sauces, tangy vinegar, chopped pickles, and juicy tomatoes with the cooked beef and pasta, mixing everything into a harmonious blend of flavors.

• Cheese and Bacon Magic

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, generously sprinkle with cheese, and top with additional pickles and tomatoes for extra zest.

• Oven Finale

Bake until the dish becomes bubbly and the cheese melts into a golden, irresistible topping, then finish by scattering crispy crumbled bacon over the top.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull the piping hot casserole from the oven and serve immediately, letting the rich aromas and incredible flavors tantalize everyone at the table.

Tips to Upgrade Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni

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• Replace rigatoni with penne, ziti, or shells to add fun texture and capture sauce differently without changing the overall flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for those who love a kick, creating a zestier version of this comfort food classic.
• Toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor to the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to give the recipe a unique twist and personalized taste experience.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for busy weeknight meal planning.

Serving Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni

• Party Platter Perfection: Serve this rich, cheesy pasta in a large communal dish where friends can scoop generous portions during game nights or casual gatherings.
• Burger-Style Side Companions: Complement the dish with classic burger sides like crisp dill pickle spears, tangy coleslaw, or golden french fries to enhance the cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Cut through the richness with ice-cold beer, sparkling cola, or a zesty homemade lemonade that balances the savory bacon and cheese elements.
• Leftover Lunch Transform: Pack remaining portions in meal-prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully and provides a satisfying midday meal with minimal effort.

Storage Instructions for Cheeseburger Pasta

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Seal containers tightly to lock in freshness and flavor.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap casserole portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until warmed through completely.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble entire dish without baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. Remove plastic, replace with foil, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Rigatoni Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort classic bacon cheeseburger rigatoni melds hearty pasta with classic burger flavors. Creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 oz (227 g) rigatoni
• 1 cup shredded sharp or smoked cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup chopped pickles
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tomato, diced (seeds removed)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Gently caramelize onions and garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat, seasoning with salt and pepper until translucent and fragrant.
2. Brown Protein: Increase heat to medium and cook ground beef, breaking it down thoroughly until completely browned with no pink remaining, then drain excess grease.
3. Pasta Preparation: Cook rigatoni in boiling salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain completely and set aside.
4. Flavor Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef with marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, red wine vinegar, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, cooked rigatoni, and most of the shredded cheese, mixing until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Baking Setup: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer mixed ingredients, creating an even layer and topping with remaining cheese, additional pickles, and tomatoes.
6. Final Bake and Garnish: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become bubbly, then remove from oven and immediately sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon pieces over the top, serving hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy, heavy texture and ensure a lighter, cleaner dish.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook rigatoni precisely 8-10 minutes to achieve al dente consistency – not too soft, not too firm.
• Cheese Distribution Strategy: Sprinkle cheese in layers for even melting and maximum flavor coverage throughout the dish.
• Bacon Finale: Add crispy bacon crumbles just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and preserve their distinct smoky flavor.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg