Save
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the answer when you crave all the goodness of a juicy cheeseburger but want something creamy and cozy that feeds a hungry crowd. Between the crispy bacon salty beef gooey cheese and a rich tomato-kissed sauce every forkful delivers true comfort without the fuss of flipping burgers. This has become our go-to recipe on chilly evenings and nobody ever leaves the table hungry.
I first whipped this up when my family could not agree between burgers or pasta and now it is in our monthly dinner rotation because everyone asks for seconds.
Ingredients
- Pasta like penne rotini or elbow macaroni: Short shapes help catch all the creamy sauce
- Bacon for smokiness and crunch: Choose thick-cut and cook until deeply crisp for best flavor
- Ground beef: brings rich meaty burger taste Use 80 percent lean for a juicy base
- Onion diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth Go for yellow or white for mellow flavor
- Garlic minced: Brightens everything up Fresh cloves give the best kick
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that essential burger umami Stick with a classic brand for punch
- Mustard yellow or Dijon: Lends tang and sharpness My crew loves Dijon for extra zip
- Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of BBQ and warmth Pick Spanish paprika for deep color
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for flavor Use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper
- Diced tomatoes drained: Gives juicy tomato lift Choose fire-roasted for smokier results
- Heavy cream or whole milk: Richness and silkiness Stick with cream for a truly decadent finish
- Cheddar cheese shredded: Melty and sharp Always shred your own for the smoothest melt
- Cream cheese: Adds velvety body and tang Use brick style for best blending
- Beef broth: Builds saucy depth Go for low sodium and good quality
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and classic burger flavor Use real tomato ketchup not sauce
- Chopped pickles for garnish: Brings a zippy bite and lifts all the flavors Optional but really fun
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Green finish Optional but brightens the bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente which means it still has some bite Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce
- Crisp the Bacon:
- Chop bacon into small pieces Place in a wide skillet and cook over medium heat stirring often until each piece is golden dark and shatteringly crisp Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon set it aside and leave the flavorful drippings in the pan
- Brown the Beef and Onions:
- Add the beef and diced onions right into the bacon drippings Break up the meat as it cooks and let it brown fully You want the onions to become tender and golden and any beef juices to mostly cook off about seven minutes Drain off extra fat so your sauce stays velvety not greasy
- Season and Sauté:
- Sprinkle in the garlic Worcestershire mustard smoked paprika salt and pepper Stir constantly for about one minute so the spices toast and everything gets fragrant This is the moment the house starts to smell amazing
- Simmer with Tomatoes and Sauce:
- Pour in the drained diced tomatoes beef broth ketchup and your cream or milk Stir to blend together Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom Bring everything up to a gentle simmer
- Melt in the Cheeses:
- Reduce the heat to low Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar a handful at a time and add the cream cheese Stir slowly letting them melt into a glossy smooth sauce Be patient so there are no lumps
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add your cooked pasta to the skillet Use tongs or a big spoon to gently toss the noodles through the sauce until every piece is coated
- Add Bacon and Garnish:
- Scatter the crispy bacon over the pasta Gentle stir so it is mixed throughout If you like add chopped pickles and fresh parsley over the top for fresh crunch and color Serve hot and enjoy
Save
One of my favorite touches is that handful of dill pickles right at the end It wakes everything up and brings classic cheeseburger vibes I still remember my son’s goofy grin the first time he tried this and asked for thirds
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days If the sauce thickens when reheated just loosen it with a splash of milk or broth Heat gently on the stove or microwave stirring halfway so it stays creamy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version with a slightly different flavor If you want extra veggies stir in some finely chopped bell pepper with the onions or wilt in a big handful of spinach with the cheese You can use rotini bowties or even shells instead of penne or macaroni Just keep the shapes bite sized to trap the cheesy sauce
Save
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a meal all on its own but feels extra decadent alongside a simple green salad or roasted broccoli If you love a burger bar theme let everyone top their own bowl with more pickles extra ketchup or a sprinkle of crispy onions A few oven fries on the side transforms dinner into a true treat
A Touch of American Comfort
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a classic American comfort food mash-up bringing together diner favorites in a way only home cooks can Dreamed up to satisfy cravings for both burgers and pasta it is perfect when you want heartiness without having to fire up the grill
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work best as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- → Is it possible to substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option, though the flavor profile will be milder.
- → How can I enhance the cheesiness?
Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top just before serving and let it melt for a richer, gooier texture.
- → Any tips for adding a spicy kick?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef mixture to bring some heat to the dish.