Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta delivers all the savory comfort of your favorite grilled burger in cozy pasta form The combination of smoky bacon creamy cheese and tangy pickles creates a meal that is truly hard to resist It is the kind of dish that warms up even the chilliest night and quickly disappears from the dinner table

On the first cold night after bringing home my new skillet I tried this recipe out of sheer nostalgia It instantly became a go to request for movie night and casual weekends

Gather Your Ingredients

• Pasta like penne rotini or elbow macaroni: Holds the sauce and provides classic comfort Choose bronze cut for maximum sauce cling
• Bacon smoky and crispy: Adds deep savoriness Make sure it is thick cut for the boldest flavor
• Ground beef: Base for hearty richness Opt for 80 percent lean for the ideal blend of flavor and moisture
• Onion: Softens the overall dish and boosts flavor Sweet yellow onions caramelize best
• Garlic: Infuses warmth and complexity Use fresh for bold aroma
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami boost Opt for a brand with minimal additives for balanced taste
• Mustard either yellow or Dijon: Adds tang Choose a Dijon for sharpness or yellow for mellow notes
• Smoked paprika: Creates a hint of barbecue Round Spanish style offers a fuller smoke
• Salt and black pepper: Round out flavors Use kosher salt for even seasoning
• Diced tomatoes: For juicy tang Use a quality canned tomato for sweetness and avoid overly acidic brands
• Heavy cream or whole milk: Builds creaminess Use cream for a truly silky finish
• Cheddar cheese: Brings gooey melt Select sharp cheddar for bolder taste and hand shred for best texture
• Cream cheese: Smooths and thickens sauce Go for full fat for deeper flavor and texture
• Beef broth: For savory richness Choose low sodium to control salt
• Ketchup: Offers a sweet and tangy nod to burgers Pick a ketchup with no high fructose corn syrup for true tomato flavor
• Pickles optional garnish: Adds freshness and crunch Go for classic dill spears chopped tiny

How to Make It

Sauté the Bacon:

Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is dark golden and crisp Make sure the pieces are evenly spread so they render out fully Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon but keep the grease in the pan This grease will bring deep flavor to your beef and onions

Brown the Beef and Onion:

Add ground beef and diced onion to the hot bacon grease Cook over medium heat breaking up the beef with your spatula The onion should turn translucent and the beef should lose all its pinkness This usually takes 5 to 7 minutes Skim off and discard any excess fat so your sauce will not taste greasy

Build the Flavor Base:

Add minced garlic Worcestershire mustard smoked paprika salt and black pepper to the skillet Stir and cook for an additional minute until the spices turn fragrant The heating helps bloom the spices and brings out their full profile

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour in the diced tomatoes beef broth ketchup and heavy cream Stir everything together well and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer Keep the heat low so the cream does not scorch and the flavors have time to meld

Melt in the Cheeses:

Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese and dollops of cream cheese Stir continuously until both cheeses melt completely forming a creamy and smooth sauce Take your time here for an ultra velvety texture

Fold in the Pasta:

Once your pasta is cooked and drained add it to the cheesy skillet Toss and turn the noodles until every piece is coated in sauce This is where the burger and pasta truly become one dish

Add the Bacon:

Scatter your reserved crispy bacon over the skillet Stir it in so each piece of pasta picks up a little smoky crunch

Garnish and Serve:

If you are using chopped pickles or fresh parsley now is the time to sprinkle them over the hot pasta for a fresh contrast Serve the meal piping hot on a deep plate for maximum comfort factor

Whenever sharp cheddar hits the melting stage the fragrance always takes me back to my childhood kitchen My son is always the first to sneak a spoonful before the dish even hits the table and it is tough to blame him

Flavor Boosters

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture Drain tomatoes thoroughly to keep the sauce from watering down A dash of hot sauce wakes up the flavors if you like a bit of heat

Serving Suggestions

To go full burger mode top each serving with a handful of chopped lettuce sliced tomato or a swipe of burger sauce For a more classic plate add a side salad or some roasted broccoli Some nights I just pile everything in a bowl with a handful of potato chips on the side for irresistible crunch

Creative Twists

You can swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want a lighter meal For vegetarian versions try crumbled veggie ground and add extra vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms or zucchini For the cream you can use half and half if you want to lighten up but the sauce will be less rich For cheese blends do not be afraid to add a bit of mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra melt

Try this when you crave something warming and nostalgic It is sure to please everyone at the table and give you that perfect comfort food moment

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are best for holding the cheesy sauce and meaty bits.

→ Can I prep this dish ahead?

Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with milk for creaminess.

→ Are meat substitutions possible?

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version, though the flavor will vary slightly.

→ How can I add spice?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick.

→ What garnishes enhance flavor?

Chopped pickles, extra cheddar, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of burger sauce boost both taste and presentation.