This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta is the ultimate comfort food, packed with hearty ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a delicious twist on a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make pasta dish that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish combines all the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger with the satisfying bite of pasta. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite burger toppings for even more flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy bacon-loaded pasta:

For the Pasta:

pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
ground beef
slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
beef broth
onion, finely chopped
cloves garlic, minced
diced tomatoes, drained
heavy cream or milk
tomato sauce or ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
mustard (yellow or Dijon)
tsp salt
black pepper
smoked paprika
For the Cheese Sauce:

shredded cheddar cheese
heavy cream
butter

Cooking the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Bacon and Beef

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of the bacon grease in the pan. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Making the Cheesy Sauce

Add tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for a couple of minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Combining Everything

Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the cheesy sauce. Let it cook for another minute, then serve hot.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
Add a little pickle relish or chopped pickles for a tangy burger-like kick.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Use ground chicken instead of beef for a different take.
Stir in diced tomatoes or jalapeños for added flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A refreshing glass of iced tea or a classic milkshake makes the perfect beverage pairing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Cook everything except the pasta and store separately. Combine and heat before serving.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish? Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dish spicy? Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Can I freeze this pasta? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta is the ultimate mash-up of two favorite comfort foods. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – A Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger with the comfort of creamy, cheesy pasta. Packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan.
Cook Beef & Onion: In the same pan, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess grease.
Add Seasonings & Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat butter and heavy cream over low heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and bacon to the skillet. Stir until fully combined and heated through.
Serve: Top with extra cheese and garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm with pickles on the side, if desired.

Notes

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
For a smoky twist: Use smoked cheddar cheese or add a dash of liquid smoke.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 540 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg