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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnish:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
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