Bacon Cheeseburger (Stove-Top) Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb uncooked pasta (rotini, rotelle, penne, small "or" medium shells, elbow) or 12 ounces egg noodles
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 lb bacon
• 1 small onion, chopped fine or 2 tablespoons minced dried onions

• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
• 1-2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar cheese (I don't suggest using a milder cheese)

Directions

1. 1

   Cook pasta in salted water, drain, rinse and set aside.

2. 2

   Cook bacon in microwave or frying pan until crisp and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large skillet or deep fryer pan (I use a 12" diam. chicken fryer), brown ground beef and onion over medium heat.

4. 4

   Sprinkle with salt and pepper (I do this while my bacon is in the microwave and my pasta is cooking).

5. 5

   Drain any grease from beef.

6. 6

   Crumble bacon into beef and onion mixture.

7. 7

   Add tomato soup and let simmer for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Add pasta and stir until coated and combined well.

9. 9

   Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and cover.

10. 10

    Simmer for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

11. 11

    Serve right out of the pan.

12. 12

    Enjoy!

13. 13

    (You may choose to 1/2 this recipe--we have a big family!).