Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Bacon, Broccoli & Cheese Casserole

This savory and indulgent Bacon, Broccoli & Cheese Casserole combines crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese, making it a delightful one-dish meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Originally adapted from a magazine recipe to suit my personal taste and ingredients on hand, this casserole delivers deliciously every time. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a comforting side dish, this casserole is a winner.

Cook Time

15 minutes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Recipe Category

One-Dish Meal

Keywords

Vegetable, < 60 Mins, Oven

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon: Sliced into small pieces
• 2-3 cups pasta: Such as elbow macaroni or penne
• 1 cup frozen broccoli: Thawed and chopped
• 1 cup provolone cheese: Shredded
• 1/2 cup skim milk: For a lighter option
• 1/4 cup flour: To thicken the cheese sauce
• 3-4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: Grated
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Breadcrumbs: Optional, for added crunch

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden crust on top.

2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large casserole dish.

3. Fry Bacon: While the water is heating, place the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.

4. Prepare Casserole Mixture: Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and stir it into the drained pasta. Add the thawed and chopped broccoli to the pasta and bacon mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.

5. Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the skim milk until it starts to steam. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

6. Add Cheese: Once the milk and flour mixture has thickened, add the shredded provolone cheese. Stir until the cheese is mostly melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove the saucepan from heat.

7. Combine Ingredients: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture in the casserole dish. Stir well to ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and coated with the creamy sauce.

8. Season and Add Toppings: Season the casserole with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan cheese over the top for a crunchy, cheesy topping.

9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

10. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the cheese sauce set slightly, making it easier to scoop out portions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 321
• Fat: 14.8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.4 g
• Cholesterol: 23.5 mg
• Sodium: 308.4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 34.5 g
• Fiber: 2.2 g
• Sugar: 1.1 g
• Protein: 12 g

Servings

5

Enjoy this warm, cheesy casserole as a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and convenient. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a perfect addition to any dinner table. 😊🧀🥦🍽️