This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta hits that sweet spot. It blends juicy browned beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheddar-cheese sauce tossed with short pasta for a dish that’s savory, cheesy, and comfort-food perfect. Think of a cheeseburger in pasta form rich, melty, and just the thing to warm up a busy evening.
Top reasons to make this: it’s quick to cook, uses pantry staples and fridge favorites, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters. If you love simple pasta hacks and flavor-packed meals, also check this helpful pasta guide for more ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes for busy nights
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have
- Perfect for feeding families, meal prep, or a cozy date night
- Big on comfort savory, cheesy, and slightly smoky
Ingredients of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni), shorter shapes help the sauce cling
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crispy, chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded for creaminess and depth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creamier texture)
- 1 tablespoon butter, for richer sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or tomato paste (optional, gives a mild burger tang)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: Fry bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, then chop and reserve.
- Brown the beef: In the bacon fat (or a bit of oil), add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, then add ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the beef: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Add ketchup or tomato paste if using.
- Make the cheese sauce: Lower heat and add butter, cream cheese, and milk to the skillet with the beef. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Add cheddar: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and bacon: Add the drained pasta and chopped bacon to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Warm through for a minute or two, then remove from heat. Top with green onions or parsley and extra bacon if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use short pasta shapes (penne, rotini) so the sauce clings well.
- Don’t rush melting the cheeses — low heat prevents grainy texture.
- Crisp the bacon well for contrast to the creamy sauce.
- If sauce feels too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it.
Substitutions & Variations of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free short pasta and confirm your cream cheese is GF.
- Vegan: Swap ground beef for crumbled tempeh or plant-based crumbles, use vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan cheddar, and replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
Variations:
- Add diced pickles or a spoonful of pickle relish for classic cheeseburger tang.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make it “loaded” by topping with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickles like a cheeseburger salad.
Storage Instructions of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and combine and warm before serving to keep texture at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Can I make this ahead and reheat?
Yes. Keep pasta and sauce separate if possible, or add a little milk when reheating to refresh the sauce.
Can I swap ground beef for ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works fine just be sure to add a little extra seasoning since turkey can be milder.
How do I keep the pasta from getting dry when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or broth while reheating and stir over low heat until creamy again.
Final Toughts
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta brings all the flavors of a favorite diner meal to your dinner table fast melty cheddar, smoky bacon, and seasoned beef wrapped around tender pasta. It’s perfect for busy nights, for feeding a hungry family, or for anyone who loves takeout-style comfort food made at home.
Give this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta a try, leave a comment to tell me how it went, and don’t forget to leave a star rating if you loved it!
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
A hearty weeknight dinner that combines juicy beef, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce with pasta, perfect for busy evenings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or tomato paste (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Fry bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, then chop and reserve.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft, then add ground beef. Cook until no pink remains and drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Add ketchup or tomato paste if using.
- Lower heat and add butter, cream cheese, and milk to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta and chopped bacon to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Warm through for a minute or two, then remove from heat. Top with green onions or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use short pasta shapes for best sauce adherence. Ensure cheeses melt slowly to avoid graininess. Crisp bacon enhances texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Carnivore