Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – A Comfort Food Classic
If you love a good cheeseburger and a hearty bowl of pasta, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is everything cozy dinners are meant to be—rich, cheesy, hearty, and made in one skillet for easy cleanup. It’s the kind of dish that has kids running to the dinner table and adults sneaking back for seconds.
This meal brings together the best of two comfort food worlds. Imagine all the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger—beefy, smoky, cheesy goodness—tossed together with tender pasta spirals that soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. It’s simple, indulgent, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to feed a crowd, this pasta skillet hits all the right notes. It’s filling, flavorful, and customizable, which makes it a go-to recipe for busy nights. Let’s dive right into how to make this mouthwatering dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings (for cooking)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Stir in ketchup and mustard, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until creamy and well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let melt.
- Finish by sprinkling crumbled bacon and fresh parsley over the dish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp of drippings in the pan.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Pour in beef broth and milk, scraping the skillet to release browned bits.
- Stir in ketchup and mustard, bringing to a simmer.
- Add cooked pasta and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring until creamy.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let melt.
- Top with crumbled bacon and parsley before serving.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 oz of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack or Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to save time.
Variations
- BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet kick.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Pickle Lover’s Dream: Top with diced dill pickles for that true cheeseburger vibe.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Garlic bread or buttered rolls make a perfect side.
- Pair with iced tea or a light lager for a casual dinner.
Storage Information
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
FAQ
- Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well.
- What pasta shapes work best? Rotini, penne, or shells—anything with ridges that hold the sauce.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, assemble the pasta without bacon, refrigerate, and reheat before serving. Add bacon just before serving to keep it crisp.
History / Fun Facts
Cheeseburgers rose to popularity in the 1920s, when adding cheese to a hamburger became a hit at American diners. Pasta, on the other hand, dates back centuries in Italian cuisine. Combining the two might seem unconventional, but it’s a modern fusion that blends comfort food traditions into one dish. This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta embodies that spirit of creativity and indulgence, proving that the best meals often come from blending flavors we already love.
