If you’ve ever dreamed of combining two of your favorite comfort foods—cheeseburgers and pasta—into one delicious, cheesy dish, then this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is going to blow your mind. Picture this: pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce with all the savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger. It’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds, and it’s one of those meals that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy nights or a casual weekend dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What’s not to love about this dish? It’s packed with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon, the rich flavor of ground beef, and, of course, a melty cheese sauce that will have you scooping up every last bite. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and brings together all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but in a comforting, pasta form. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need (full ingredient list is below):
- Ground beef (the heart of this dish)
- Bacon (crispy, savory, and irresistible)
- Pasta (we love using rotini, but penne or elbow macaroni works too)
- Cheddar cheese (for that rich, gooey cheese sauce)
- Cream cheese (to make the sauce extra creamy)
- Garlic (for that savory punch)
- Milk (to bring the sauce together)
- Pickles (optional, but they really add that burger-like tang)
- Ketchup and mustard (for that classic cheeseburger flavor)
For the full ingredient list, scroll down to the recipe below!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it on a paper towel to drain. Once it’s cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. You’ll add this delicious bacon to the pasta later, so don’t eat all of it right away!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet (with all that lovely bacon grease left behind), add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then return the beef to the pan.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
To the cooked beef, add your cream cheese and let it melt, stirring frequently. Once the cream cheese has melted, pour in the milk, ketchup, and mustard. Stir to combine. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy cheeseburger sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is coated in that cheesy goodness. Then, sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and stir again until well combined.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is mixed together, it’s time to serve! Top your loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta with a few more crumbles of bacon, some extra shredded cheese, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a few pickle slices on top to mimic the classic cheeseburger flavor. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor. Sharp cheddar gives this dish an extra kick, but mild cheddar works just fine too.
- Crispy bacon is key! Make sure to cook it until it’s really crisp so it adds that satisfying crunch when mixed with the creamy pasta.
- Adjust the sauce: If you like your pasta extra saucy, feel free to add a little more milk or cheese to make the sauce richer. You can also mix in some beef broth if you want a slightly thinner sauce.
- For a little extra burger flair, you can even add a drizzle of extra ketchup and mustard on top before serving!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for a little extra texture and flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the beef while it’s cooking for an extra kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta: If you’re gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. You could also serve it with some warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. If you’re feeding a crowd, this dish is perfect to serve alongside other comfort food favorites like buffalo wings or crispy fries.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life. You might need to add a little more cheese or milk to rehydrate the sauce, but it’ll still taste just as good as the first time.
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! If cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even Monterey Jack. Just make sure it melts well.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then just heat it up when you’re ready to serve. It’s even better the next day!
- Can I freeze this pasta? You can freeze this dish, but the texture may change a bit after freezing and reheating. If you’re okay with that, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes! Kids absolutely love the cheesy, bacon-packed goodness. It’s a fun and familiar flavor that’s sure to be a hit with little ones.
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate cheesy comfort food that combines all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger with the satisfying richness of pasta. It’s a simple, quick, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family or treating yourself to something special, this dish will be your new favorite go-to meal. Go ahead, get in the kitchen, and whip up this mouthwatering pasta—it’s cheesy, bacon-y perfection on a plate!
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – A Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American (Cheeseburger-Inspired)
Description
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines all the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of pasta. Packed with crispy bacon, ground beef, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy any cheeseburger craving.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Bacon:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Pickles or pickled jalapeños for a bit of tang and spice (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble and set aside.
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Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
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Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
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Serve: Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and optional pickles or pickled jalapeños for added crunch and tang.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-packed comfort!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of mustard to the sauce.
- If you want a bit of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when making the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the recipe (if serving 6 portions)
- Calories: 600-700
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg