Sizzling Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe: Comfort Food Fusion!

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable bacon cheeseburger pasta that combines classic burger flavors in a hearty, one-pot meal.

Rich beef and crispy bacon meld perfectly with creamy cheese and tender pasta shells.

Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

The recipe brings together favorite ingredients from a beloved burger into a convenient, crowd-pleasing dish.

Sharp cheddar and smoky bacon create a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together for busy weeknights.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this ultimate comfort classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 663 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

• Pasta: Sturdy pasta that catches sauce well and provides hearty base for the dish.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's flavor and helps season the cooking water thoroughly.

• Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful meat that creates substantial core of the dish.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and intense savory depth to overall recipe.
• Onion: Provides sweet undertone and aromatic foundation for the meat.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent flavor that complements beef perfectly.

• Beef Broth: Creates deep, meaty liquid base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, silky smoothness and richness.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and classic burger-like flavor profile.
• Mustard: Introduces sharp, zesty undertone that balances overall taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts creamily and brings sharp, tangy cheese flavor.
• Olive Oil or Bacon Grease: Ensures proper cooking and adds extra flavor dimension.

• Tomatoes: Fresh, bright element that adds color and lightness.
• Pickles: Introduces crisp, tangy contrast to rich dish.
• Lettuce: Provides fresh, crunchy texture as final touch.

Gear for Making Cheeseburger Pasta at Home

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles evenly.
• Large Skillet: Key for cooking bacon, browning beef, and combining all ingredients with sauce.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon from grease without excess oil.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Necessary for dicing onions and precise ingredient preparation.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: How to Cook It

• Boil Water for Pasta

Get a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

• Cook and Drain Pasta

Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

• Crisp Up Bacon

Toss chopped bacon into a skillet and cook until it’s wonderfully crunchy. Scoop out the bacon and let it rest on paper towels, keeping a touch of grease in the pan.

• Brown the Meat

In the same skillet, add ground beef, diced onions, and garlic. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onions look soft and translucent.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, and mustard. Let everything bubble and blend for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

• Combine and Melt

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a luxurious, creamy coating.

• Finish and Serve

Top the pasta with crispy bacon bits. Add extra toppings like fresh tomatoes or pickles if you want. Serve immediately while it’s hot and delicious.

Tweaks to Boost Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

• Crisp your bacon perfectly by starting in a cold pan, allowing fat to render slowly for maximum crunchiness.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor.
• Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version.
• Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick, transforming the dish from classic to fiery.
• This pasta stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch prep.

Serving Up This Pasta Comfort Dish

• Burger Joint Plating: Serve this pasta in a classic diner-style bowl to capture the cheeseburger essence, creating a nostalgic comfort food experience.
• Burger Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle additional crispy bacon bits, diced raw onions, and chopped pickles on top to enhance the loaded cheeseburger flavor profile and add extra crunch.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the pasta in a large shared skillet at the center of the table, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion and enjoy the communal dining experience with a fun, interactive meal.
• Quick Weeknight Sidekick: Pair this hearty pasta with a simple green salad or quick coleslaw to balance the rich and savory flavors, making it a complete meal that's perfect for busy family dinners.

Smart Storage for Cheeseburger Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Warm individual portions in microwave with a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally during reheating to distribute heat evenly.
• Can be frozen flat in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain original texture and flavor profile.
• Store bacon bits separately from pasta to keep them crispy. Add fresh bacon pieces when reheating to maintain their crunchy texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Is this pasta suitable for those with dietary restrictions?

No, this recipe contains dairy, meat, and gluten. It’s not vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free friendly.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish less rich?

Reduce the amount of heavy cream and cheese, or use lower-fat alternatives like half-and-half and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten the recipe.

• What are some key flavor-enhancing tips?

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper while cooking, use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch, and consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the umami flavor of the dish.

Tantalizing Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines classic burger flavors in a comforting pasta dish. Rich beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps yellow mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped pickles
• Shredded lettuce

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Instructions

1. Boil Setup: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Remove pieces onto paper towels, reserving one tablespoon of rendered fat in the pan.
3. Meat Foundation: Sauté ground beef, onions, and garlic in the same skillet, cooking until beef is thoroughly browned and onions become translucent. Drain excess grease.
4. Sauce Development: Whisk beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, and mustard into the meat mixture, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for several minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.
5. Pasta Integration: Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring complete and even coating. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle crispy bacon fragments across the top of the pasta. Optionally garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or shredded lettuce for added texture and presentation.
7. Serving: Plate immediately while hot and bubbling, ready to delight hungry diners.

Notes

Control Bacon Grease: Remove excess fat after cooking bacon to prevent dish from becoming overly greasy and maintain a balanced flavor profile.

Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Monitor pasta closely during boiling to ensure al dente texture, which prevents mushiness and maintains ideal pasta consistency.

Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to create smooth, creamy sauce without causing cheese to become grainy or separate.

Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives, use low-fat cheese, and opt for whole wheat pasta to create healthier version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 663
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1122 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 134 mg