Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup — all the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Ground beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and tender pasta are brought together in a rich, savory sauce that tastes like your favorite diner classic — but in one skillet!
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
12 oz (340 g) pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini)
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
½ cup mozzarella cheese (for creaminess, optional)
½ cup milk or half-and-half
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Optional garnish: green onions, pickles, extra shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Cook Bacon:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Leave about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Cook Beef & Onion:
Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add Flavors:
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Make it Cheesy:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and cheddar (plus mozzarella if using) until melted and creamy. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Combine & Finish:
Add cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and hot. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with green onions, more cheese, or chopped pickles if desired. For fun, serve with burger toppings on the side!
Notes & Tips:
Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar adds that classic cheeseburger taste, but you can blend with American or pepper jack.
Lighter version: Use lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
Creamier sauce: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Vegetable boost: Add diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or shredded zucchini to the beef mixture.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Q: Does it freeze well?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Let cool fully, portion, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work best to hold the sauce.
Q: Can I make this one-pot?
A: Yes! After browning the meat and adding the liquids, stir in uncooked pasta and extra broth or milk, then simmer covered until the pasta is cooked.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 5 g
Sodium: 720 mg