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If you’re craving comfort food that’s packed with bold, classic flavors, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is about to become your new favorite! Imagine the best parts of a juicy bacon cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, tangy ketchup, and creamy cheddar cheese—all wrapped around a hearty serving of pasta. It’s indulgent, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Whether you’re a cheeseburger lover or simply in the mood for something warm and cozy, this dish will not disappoint. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about combining the best of two comfort food worlds: cheeseburgers and pasta. Here’s why this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is going to be a hit at your dinner table:
- All the flavors of a cheeseburger – From the savory ground beef and crispy bacon to the tangy ketchup and sharp cheddar cheese, this pasta tastes just like your favorite burger in every bite!
- Creamy and cheesy goodness – The combination of beef broth, heavy cream, and melty cheddar creates a sauce that’s irresistibly rich and creamy.
- Quick and easy – In under 30 minutes, you can have this flavorful pasta dish ready to serve, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly – This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Customize the toppings to your liking and watch everyone dig in!
What Does Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Taste Like?
This dish tastes exactly how you’d imagine—like a loaded bacon cheeseburger! It’s savory and rich with a creamy cheese sauce, bursts of smoky bacon, and the signature tang of ketchup and mustard. The tender pasta soaks up all the flavors, making every forkful a delicious, indulgent bite. Trust me, it’s anything but boring!!
Benefits of Making This Dish
- Versatility: Customize it with your favorite toppings or add veggies for a balanced meal.
- Simplicity: All made in one pot (minus the pasta), making cleanup a breeze.
- Comforting flavors: Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or any pasta you love)
- 1 lb ground beef (use ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (adds smokiness and crunch)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, if you’re feeling extra cheesy!)
- 1/2 cup ketchup (gives that cheeseburger tang)
- 1 tbsp mustard (just the right amount of zing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, pickles, shredded lettuce, extra cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for cooking the pasta
- Large skillet for preparing the beef, bacon, and sauce
- Colander for draining the pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ons
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the beef for a leaner protein option.
- Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to pack in extra nutrients.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Low Carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet—it’s going to add amazing flavor to the rest of the dish.
3. Brown the Beef
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
4. Add the Flavor Boosters
Now for the cheeseburger magic! Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, and mustard. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together.
5. Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing it into the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Top and Serve
Finish it off by sprinkling the crispy bacon on top. Add any optional toppings like diced tomatoes, pickles, or shredded lettuce for that full cheeseburger experience!
What to Serve with Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
While this pasta is a meal in itself, you can pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness. A side of roasted veggies or some garlic bread would also be a delicious accompaniment.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese will give you a creamier sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed into the creamy sauce.
- Add a splash of pickle juice – For an extra tangy twist, mix in a tablespoon of pickle juice into the sauce. It’ll enhance that cheeseburger flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or the microwave, adding a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat and use veggie broth instead of beef broth. You can also omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.
What other cheese can I use? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda would be great in this recipe.
Conclusion
There you have it—Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta! A recipe that’s perfect for when you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and downright delicious. With its rich sauce, crispy bacon, and cheeseburger-inspired flavors, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite.
Give this recipe a try and don’t forget to share your creations! Tag me on Pinterest and leave a review if you loved it.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbs: 45g
Looking for more comforting pasta dishes? Check out my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake or Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole next!
PrintLoaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and a rich sauce, it combines all your favorite cheeseburger flavors into a cozy pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Top with your favorite burger fixings for extra fun!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, extra cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Leave bacon grease in the skillet.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, and mustard. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the Pasta: Toss in the cooked pasta and mix to coat. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve: Top with crispy bacon and optional toppings like diced tomatoes, pickles, or shredded lettuce.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Feel free to use mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack if cheddar isn’t your favorite.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: All Things Delicious
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg