Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity Level: Medium (sautéing and simmering involved)

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Introduction

Take everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger — crispy bacon, savory beef, gooey melted cheese, and a touch of tangy ketchup and mustard — and combine it with tender pasta. That’s Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made in a single skillet or pot, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or when you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and slightly tangy — just like your favorite burger, but in cozy pasta form.

Let’s dive in.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dish:

• 8 oz (about 2½ cups) uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work well)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth

• 1 cup (240ml) milk

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half

• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (for extra melt)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped pickles

• Green onions

• Crushed potato chips or fried onions

• Sesame seeds (for burger bun effect)

• More cooked bacon

Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet, sauté pan, or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Cheese grater

• Colander (if pre-cooking pasta)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp.

2. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

3. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan (drain excess if needed).

Tip: Use thick-cut bacon for extra texture and flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Add the ground beef and onion to the pan with bacon drippings.

2. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft — about 5–7 minutes.

3. Add garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir to combine and let simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.

This is your cheeseburger flavor base — tangy, savory, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Add the Pasta and Liquids

1. Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, milk, and cream.

2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

3. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

If using pre-cooked pasta, reduce the broth and cream by about ½ cup total, and simmer for just 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bacon

1. Once pasta is cooked and sauce has thickened, remove from heat.

2. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

3. Fold in half of the cooked bacon and mix until everything is creamy and combined.

Feel free to add more cheese if you want it extra gooey and indulgent.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Top with the remaining bacon and extra shredded cheese.

2. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pickles, green onions, or a few crushed potato chips for crunch.

3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad – Balance the richness with a crisp garden or Caesar salad.

• Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs is always a win.

• Burger Toppings Bar – Let guests top their pasta with chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

• Kid-Friendly Dinner Night – Serve in bowls with fun toppings like mini pickles or cheese crackers.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Make it Lighter: Use ground turkey, skim milk, and reduce the cheese.

• Veggie Boost: Stir in diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach.

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and thicken sauce with cornstarch if needed.

• Cheese Options: Try pepper jack, gouda, or American cheese for a melty burger vibe.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 620

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 38g

  • Saturated Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

  • Sugar: 6g

  • Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 880mg

• Cholesterol: 115mg

Nutrition will vary based on ingredients used and portion size.