Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake

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## 🔪 Instructions

### 1. **Preheat and Prepare Pasta**

* Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
* Cook the noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

### 2. **Cook the Bacon**

* In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
* Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.
* Leave about **1 tablespoon of bacon fat** in the pan.

### 3. **Sauté the Beef Mixture**

* In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
* Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
* Stir in **ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce**, and season with **salt and pepper**.
* Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.

### 4. **Combine Everything**

* In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, beef mixture, **half of the shredded cheese**, **sour cream** (if using), and **most of the bacon** (save a bit for topping).
* Mix until well combined.

### 5. **Bake It**

* Transfer mixture to a **greased 9×13-inch baking dish**.
* Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top.
* Bake uncovered for **20–25 minutes**, or until bubbly and golden.

### 6. **Garnish and Serve**

* Top with chopped pickles, green onions, or parsley for a fresh crunch.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

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## 🧑‍🍳 Tips & Variations

* **Make it spicy:** Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef.
* **More veggies?** Stir in diced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
* **No sour cream?** Swap in Greek yogurt or leave it out — it’s optional!
* **Freeze for later:** Let cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

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## 🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve your bacon cheeseburger noodle bake with:

* A **simple green salad**
* **Garlic bread** or dinner rolls
* **Roasted veggies** for a balanced meal

And yes — a side of **pickle spears** is highly recommended. 🥒

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## 💬 Final Thoughts

This **Bacon Cheeseburger Noodle Bake** is everything you love about burgers, wrapped up in a cozy, cheesy, bake-and-serve meal. It’s a weeknight win and a weekend favorite — and once you try it, it’ll be a regular on your comfort food menu.

Craving seconds already? We won’t judge.

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**Want a printable version of this recipe or tips for making it low-carb?** Just let me know!