If you love juicy bacon cheeseburgers and creamy pasta, get ready to fall in love with this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta! It’s everything you crave — cheesy, hearty, and packed with smoky bacon flavor — all tossed together in one irresistible skillet.
This dish combines the best of both worlds: the rich, savory taste of a cheeseburger with the comforting texture of a cheesy pasta bake. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need something ultra-satisfying after a long day, this pasta hits the spot every time.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍝 One-pan dinner – easy cleanup and quick cooking.
- 🥓 Loaded with flavor – bacon, cheese, beef, and creamy sauce in every bite.
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- 🧡 Family favorite – even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
🍔 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting bacon cheeseburger pasta:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- ¼ cup pickle relish (optional but gives authentic burger flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
Toppings (Optional):
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped pickles
- Shredded lettuce
- Extra cheddar cheese or crisp bacon bits
👩🍳 How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain, reserving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and relish (if using). Stir well to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously.
If you want a thicker sauce, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour into the broth before adding it to the pan.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pasta
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Then, add the cooked pasta and bacon. Toss everything together until well coated in the cheesy sauce.
Simmer for a few minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with extra cheese, bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or chopped pickles for that true “loaded burger” vibe.
Serve hot straight from the skillet — creamy, cheesy perfection in every bite!
🍟 Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pasta
- Use freshly shredded cheese – it melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
- Add a little heat – a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce adds a fun kick.
- Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue to soften in the sauce.
- Want a baked version? Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
🧄 Flavor Variations
- BBQ Cheeseburger Pasta: Add 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Jalapeño Burger Pasta: Toss in sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Bacon Double Cheeseburger Pasta: Double up on the beef and bacon for a meat-lover’s dream!
- Pickle-Lover’s Version: Mix in diced dill pickles right before serving for tangy crunch.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich pasta dish with something light and fresh on the side:
- 🥗 Green salad with ranch dressing
- 🍞 Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- 🥒 Dill pickles for extra zing
- 🍅 Roasted veggies to balance the creaminess
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
💡 Make It Ahead
You can prep the beef mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and stir everything together with cheese.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
🥰 Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of cheesy goodness — everything you’d expect from your favorite burger, but in pasta form!
Every bite is packed with smoky bacon, savory beef, and creamy cheddar sauce — the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and sigh with happiness. 😋
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers serious comfort with minimal effort.
📋 Recipe Summary
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 30 minutes |
Servings | 4–6 |
Difficulty | Easy |
Type | Dinner / Comfort Food |
🍔 Final Thoughts
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta has everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger — melty cheese, crispy bacon, juicy beef, and that classic burger sauce flavor — all wrapped up in creamy, cheesy pasta.
It’s a dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet indulgent enough for weekends. One bite, and you’ll understand why this comfort food favorite has become a viral sensation in kitchens everywhere.
So grab your skillet and a big spoon — you’re about to serve up pure cheeseburger bliss in pasta form! 🍝🥓🧀
Print
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up
Ingredients
• 8 oz elbow macaroni or penne (or gluten-free pasta)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 tsp fat for sautéing)
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup chopped dill pickles
• Optional: lettuce (add just before serving)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Sauté onion 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked pasta, 1 cup cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Toss gently until well coated.
- Remove from heat. Fold in chopped pickles.
- Top with remaining ½ cup cheese and serve hot.
- Optional: Add shredded lettuce just before serving for crunch!
✨ Serve with extra pickles on the side and a cold soda for the ultimate comfort meal!
💡 Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 20 mins , Total Time : 35 mins , Servings : 6 , Calories : 480 , Net Carbs: 36g , Fats: 24g , Protein: 30g