✨ Introduction
When a classic bacon cheeseburger meets creamy pasta, you get the ultimate comfort food fusion: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. It’s everything you love — juicy seasoned beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender pasta — all tossed in a rich, savory sauce that hits every crave-worthy note. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who wants a little indulgence in their bowl.
🍽️ Servings & Time
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, shells, or elbow)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Cheese & Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¾ cup milk (or half-and-half)
Veggies & Aromatics:
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: diced pickles or tomato for garnish
Condiments & Spices:
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
🧑🍳 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or deep sauté pan
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Slotted spoon
- Spatula
- Grater (for cheese)
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Crisp the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon grease in the pan.
3. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add diced onions and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then add ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Add Flavor:
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Add cream cheese and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine & Cheese It Up:
Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Mix in cheddar cheese until melted and everything is creamy and combined. Fold in bacon, saving a little for garnish.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Spoon into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon, or even chopped pickles or tomatoes for a true cheeseburger vibe.
🔁 Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in peas, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Low Carb Option: Swap pasta for cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with added cheese.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely — ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based beef all work well.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little American cheese for extra melt.
Is this kid-friendly?
100%! It’s like mac and cheese and cheeseburgers had a baby — kids love it.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep sauté pan
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Slotted spoon
- Spatula
- Grater (for cheese)
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- 12 oz pasta penne, shells, or elbow
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon chopped
Cheese & Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¾ cup milk or half-and-half
- Veggies & Aromatics:
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Optional: diced pickles or tomato for garnish
Condiments & Spices:
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Crisp the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon grease in the pan.
Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add diced onions and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then add ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Flavor:
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Add cream cheese and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combine & Cheese It Up:
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Mix in cheddar cheese until melted and everything is creamy and combined. Fold in bacon, saving a little for garnish.
Serve & Garnish:
- Spoon into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon, or even chopped pickles or tomatoes for a true cheeseburger vibe.
Notes
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Veggie Boost: Mix in peas, spinach, or bell peppers. Low Carb Option: Swap pasta for cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles. 🧊 Storage Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with added cheese. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely — ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based beef all work well. What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little American cheese for extra melt. Is this kid-friendly?
100%! It’s like mac and cheese and cheeseburgers had a baby — kids love it.