Simple Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort food meets culinary magic in this decadent loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta that promises pure indulgence.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese create an irresistible symphony of flavors dancing across each bite.

Hearty pasta shells cradle rich ground beef in a creamy sauce that screams deliciousness.

We discovered this recipe during a late-night kitchen experiment and knew instantly it would become a crowd favorite.

Nostalgic diner vibes merge seamlessly with home-cooked goodness in every mouthwatering forkful.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to maximize flavor and satisfaction.

You’ll want to clear your schedule and savor every single bite of this epic comfort meal.

How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta Easily

Step 1: Boil Water

Fill a large pot with water, sprinkle in salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Toss in pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in bacon pieces and cook until they turn golden and crackly. Transfer crispy bacon to paper towels, reserving a tablespoon of those delicious bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Brown Beef and Aromatics

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until beef is thoroughly cooked and onions become translucent. Drain any extra grease.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Ketchup
• Mustard

Stir and let the mixture simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Melt

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat every noodle with the savory sauce. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy blanket.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Scatter crispy bacon pieces over the top. Optional garnishes include diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or shredded lettuce. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Smart Tips for Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Perfection

• Bacon Grease Magic: Save the bacon grease for extra flavor when browning the beef, adding a rich, smoky undertone to the entire dish.
• Cheese Melt Technique: Remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent overcooking and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce and soften while mixing with other ingredients.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version of this hearty meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their cheeseburger pasta.

Storage and Reheat Instructions for Cheeseburger Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed pasta will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop heating once the pasta reaches desired temperature to avoid overcooking.

Sides and Drinks to Serve with Cheeseburger Pasta

• Pair this hearty pasta with an ice-cold craft beer like an amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the richness and matches the bold burger flavors.
• Select a robust red wine such as zinfandel or cabernet sauvignon, whose tannic structure and fruit-forward profile beautifully complement the bacon and cheese's savory depth.
• Add a crisp cucumber and dill salad to balance the pasta's heavy texture, providing a light, cool counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with classic dill pickle spears on the side, offering a tangy crunch that echoes the traditional cheeseburger accompaniment and adds textural variety to the meal.

Why Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Is a Hit

• Combines classic cheeseburger flavors with convenient pasta format.
• Takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families needing a hearty meal fast.
• Merges beloved bacon cheeseburger elements into one delicious skillet dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Uses single skillet for entire cooking process, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen mess dramatically.

What You Need for Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

• Pasta: The base of the dish, providing hearty texture and substance. Choose a short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce coating.

• Ground Beef, Bacon: Rich and flavorful meats that add depth and classic cheeseburger taste. Select ground beef with moderate fat content for juiciness.

• Cheddar Cheese, Heavy Cream: Creamy elements that create a smooth, rich sauce. Opt for sharp cheddar for more intense flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential for building foundational flavor in the dish. Fresh ingredients provide better taste compared to pre-chopped options.

• Beef Broth, Ketchup, Mustard: Liquid and condiment components that enhance the cheeseburger-inspired flavor profile. Use quality beef broth for depth.

• Tomatoes, Pickles, Lettuce: Fresh toppings that add brightness and crunch. Completely optional but recommended for extra texture and flavor.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor. Use sparingly as bacon and beef already provide saltiness.

Pasta Variations for Bacon Cheeseburger Lovers

• Gluten-Free Burger Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Pasta: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add smoked paprika for a bacon-like flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time and drain excess moisture to prevent watery sauce. Keep all other ingredients the same.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Ensure all other ingredients remain consistent with original recipe.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta, blending classic burger flavors with hearty pasta. Sizzling bacon, melted cheese, and seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering dish that brings home a restaurant-style experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Dairy and Pasta:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as penne or rotini)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped pickles
• Shredded lettuce

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously sized pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil.
2. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Strain and reserve.
3. Render bacon pieces in a spacious skillet over medium heat until achieving a golden, crisp texture.
4. Transfer bacon onto paper towels, preserving approximately one tablespoon of rendered fat within the skillet.
5. Introduce ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until meat browns completely and onions become translucent.
6. Eliminate excess grease from the meat mixture.
7. Pour beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, and mustard into the skillet, whisking thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce.
8. Allow sauce to gently simmer, thickening and developing rich flavors for several minutes.
9. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
10. Remove skillet from heat source and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until creating a smooth, melted consistency.
11. Distribute crispy bacon fragments across the surface of the pasta.
12. Optional: Embellish with fresh diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or shredded lettuce for added texture and visual appeal.
13. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, leaner version of this comfort dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and carefully measuring added salt during cooking.
• Prep crispy bacon ahead of time and store in an airtight container to speed up meal preparation.
• Balance rich flavors by adding a small side salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creamy, cheesy pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 735
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 49 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg