Bacon-Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Submitted by Sassy J

"Source: America's Test Kitchen, slightly adapted"

 

• Ready In: 48mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni (3 c.) or 12 ounces shell macaroni (3 c.)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• salt
• pepper
• 3 cups water
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1⁄3 cup dill pickle relish, drained (or can chop dill pickles)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 slices bacon
• 6 slices American cheese
• 1⁄2 cup finely chopped onion

directions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position; preheat oven to 475.
2. Grease 13 x 9 baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
3. Spread pasta into prepared dish, crumble beef into 1/2-inch pieces over top, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Whisk water, tomato sauce, pickles, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, sugar, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper together in a bowl; taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Pour into baking dish and toss gently with tongs to combine.
6. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, microwave bacon on plate until crisp, about 5 minutes.
8. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into 1/2 inch pieces.
9. Remove baking dish from oven and stir pasta thoroughly scraping sides and bottom of dish.
10. Lay cheese slices over top and sprinkle with crisped bacon.
11. Return uncovered dish to oven and continue to bake until pasta is al dente and cheese is melted, 5-8 minutes.
12. Let cool for 10-15 minutes, sprinkle with onion, if using and serve.