Description

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that blends juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe offers the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger elevated by a creamy, cheesy sauce and a satisfying pasta twist, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
6–8 strips of bacon
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
12 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
1 cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

Pickles, chopped or sliced
Mustard or mustard-inspired spices
Ketchup-inspired spices or drizzle

Instructions

Cook the Bacon and Beef: Begin by cooking bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble once cooled. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Pasta: While the meat cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Sauce: To the cooked beef mixture, stir in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Add milk or cream and stir well to create a rich and creamy sauce. Season with additional salt, pepper, and optional spices like mustard or ketchup flavors to mimic cheeseburger toppings.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon into the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the pan, and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted, gooey, and bubbly.
Serve Warm: Once the cheese has melted, gently stir to combine everything evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with optional chopped green onions, extra cheddar cheese, or pickle slices to enhance the cheeseburger vibe.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful melt and classic cheeseburger taste.
Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente to maintain texture in the final dish.
Use rendered bacon fat to sauté onions and garlic for added smoky depth.
Season the beef, sauce, and pasta water to layer flavors throughout the dish.
Let the dish rest covered off heat before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, loaded cheeseburger, easy weeknight meal