If you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender pasta—all the best parts of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, delicious pasta dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy and comforting – The perfect mix of gooey cheese and pasta.
- Packed with flavor – Bacon, beef, and seasonings make this dish irresistible.
- Quick and easy – Comes together in about 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- Ground beef
- Bacon
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- Cheddar cheese
- Heavy cream
Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Brown the Beef
Using the same skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings. Let simmer for a few minutes.
5. Add the Cheese and Cream
Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Top with extra cheese or fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly shredded cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Crisp up the bacon well – Adds the perfect crunch to the dish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor.
- Stir in some chopped pickles for extra burger-style tang.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A cold glass of iced tea or a classic soda makes a great drink choice!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well.
3. How do I make this dish even cheesier?
Add more shredded cheese or a little cream cheese for extra richness.
4. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a delicious mashup of two comfort food favorites. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this cheesy, satisfying dish is sure to be a hit!
PrintLoaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – A Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite
If you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender pasta—all the best parts of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, delicious pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta:
In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips until crispy. Remove from the skillet, crumble, and set aside. Leave a bit of bacon grease in the skillet. -
Cook the beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. -
Sauté the veggies:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. -
Make the sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then add the ketchup and mustard. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce begins to thicken. -
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and gooey. -
Top and serve:
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the pasta and stir. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Add a bit of heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1.2mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg