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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish combines browned ground beef with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from milk, flour, and sharp cheddar. Tossed with tender pasta and smoky bacon bits, it delivers comforting, rich flavors in one pan. The sauce is flavored with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, adding a tangy, umami depth that complements the richness. This meal cooks in under 30 minutes and is ideal for busy weeknights when a filling, satisfying dish is needed. Garnish as desired with extra cheese or bacon for added indulgence.

Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne hold the sauce well, making each bite flavorful. It reheats easily and welcomes vegetable additions or meat swaps to suit different tastes. Serving suggestions include a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to add contrast, making this a balanced and crowd-pleasing dish.

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Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 19:21:25 GMT
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Pin
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | easydiyrecipes.com

This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta takes the craveable flavors of a classic burger and wraps them up in a cozy skillet dinner. Ground beef and crispy bacon get tucked into tender bites of pasta, all bathed in a creamy cheddar sauce with just enough tang and sweetness to echo your favorite burger. When I want something hearty, fast, and guaranteed to win smiles, this one-pan meal checks every box.

I first whipped this up when we were low on groceries and needed something fast but satisfying. My kids now beg for it every Friday.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: provides savory richness and a meaty texture use 80 20 for best flavor
  • Cooked pasta: brings structure and heartiness choose short sturdy shapes like rotini or penne
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into creamy sharp flavor use freshly shredded for smoothest results
  • Cooked bacon: adds smoky salty crunch thick cut bacon is best if you can find it
  • Milk: creates the creamy backbone of the sauce whole milk gives richest result
  • All purpose flour: thickens the sauce smoothly stir it in well to avoid lumps
  • Ketchup: adds a sweet tang tying everything together in cheeseburger style
  • Worcestershire sauce: gives a deeper umami taste and balances acidity
  • Salt and pepper: ensure all the flavors pop start lightly then add more to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat place the ground beef and break it up as it cooks Let it brown well and continue stirring for about eight minutes until no pink remains Then drain off any excess fat to prevent a greasy sauce
Thicken the Sauce:
Sprinkle flour evenly over the cooked beef and stir until no dry spots remain Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly so you get a smooth mixture Keep cooking and stirring until it thickens to a silky sauce about five minutes
Layer the Flavor:
Add ketchup Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper Stir thoroughly to combine and let everything simmer together for about three minutes so the flavors meld
Add the Pasta and Cheese:
Fold the cooked pasta crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and every piece of pasta is coated in saucy goodness
Serve:
Spoon the hot pasta into bowls and sprinkle extra cheese or bacon bits over the top if you want Serve while piping hot for ultimate comfort
A bowl of pasta with meat and bacon. Pin
A bowl of pasta with meat and bacon. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cheddar is the soul of this dish I tried it once with gouda and while still good nothing beat the sharp bite of classic cheddar I remember making this after a long soccer practice and watching my youngest go back for thirds

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days For best results reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk Or use the microwave in short bursts stirring in between

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option Any short pasta will work such as fusilli or elbow macaroni You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms onions or bell peppers to add veggies without losing the spirit of the recipe

Serving Suggestions

Serve next to a crisp green salad or simple steamed broccoli for freshness Garlic bread takes this meal up a notch and a dill pickle spear on the side brings true cheeseburger vibes

Cultural Context

This dish draws on the American love of combining classic burger flavors with family friendly pastas It is especially popular in the Midwest where quick skillet dinners help stretch staples and feed a hungry group

A bowl of pasta with bacon and sausage. Pin
A bowl of pasta with bacon and sausage. | easydiyrecipes.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner substitute without compromising the dish’s flavor.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal to hold the creamy, cheesy sauce and ingredients.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or in the microwave.

→ Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw slowly and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven for best results.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance depth and complexity.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Savory pasta with ground beef, crispy bacon, and cheddar in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a quick, hearty meal.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
18 min
Total Time
28 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 hearty bowls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Protein

01 450 g ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
02 120 g cooked thick-cut bacon, crumbled

→ Pasta

03 340 g cooked short pasta (rotini or penne preferred)

→ Dairy

04 240 ml whole milk
05 200 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

→ Sauce Components

06 15 g all-purpose flour
07 60 ml ketchup
08 15 ml Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasoning

09 Salt, to taste
10 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat thoroughly.

Step 02

Evenly sprinkle flour over the cooked beef and stir continuously to eliminate dry spots. Gradually pour in whole milk while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens smoothly, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 03

Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a balanced and rich flavor profile.

Step 04

Stir in cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix continuously until the cheese fully melts and all components are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 05

Spoon portions into serving bowls while hot. Optionally, garnish with additional shredded cheese or bacon bits for enhanced presentation and flavor.

Notes

  1. Undercook pasta slightly as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce.
  2. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 765
  • Fats: 44 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 38 g