Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession. This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic bacon cheeseburger with the ease and satisfaction of a one-pot pasta dish. If you’re looking for a family-friendly meal that’s big on flavor and low on cleanup, you’ve found it. We’re talking about tender ground beef, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta all swimming in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort in a bowl.
The best part? Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means the pasta absorbs all those incredible flavors as it cooks. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a game-changer for busy evenings when you crave something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is a Weeknight Hero
Let’s break down why this recipe will instantly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
- One-Pot Magic: The entire meal, from browning the beef to cooking the pasta, happens in one pan. This means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion.
- Quick & Easy: You can have this incredible meal on the table in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Family-Approved Flavor: It has all the familiar and beloved flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Amazingly Creamy: We use a secret weapon combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar to create the most luscious, creamy sauce you’ve ever tasted.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta
The magic of this dish lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
The “Cheeseburger” Base
The foundation of our recipe starts with the classic burger elements. We use lean ground beef for a rich, meaty flavor and thick-cut bacon for that crispy, smoky bite. Draining the excess grease after cooking is key to a perfect sauce.
The Pasta
You’ll want a pasta shape that can grab and hold onto all that incredible cheese sauce. We recommend short, sturdy shapes like rotini, shells, or cavatappi. These shapes have plenty of nooks and crannies to trap the creamy goodness.
The Creamy Sauce
This is where the magic happens. A combination of beef broth and milk creates the liquid base for cooking the pasta. Then, cream cheese melts in to create a velvety texture, and freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese provides that classic, tangy cheeseburger flavor. For a similar cheesy pasta experience, you might also love this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.
Aromatics & Seasonings
To build a deep flavor base, we start with sautéed yellow onion and minced garlic. The sauce is seasoned with a simple but powerful blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to perfectly mimic that classic burger taste.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Step-by-Step
This one-pot process is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Get Cheesy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce is velvety.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in half of the crispy bacon. Serve the pasta immediately, topped with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Want to take your pasta to the next level? Keep these simple tips in mind.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat of the sauce. Cook it until it’s just al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the richest and creamiest sauce, use whole milk and full-fat cream cheese.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas:
- Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño along with the onion or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Add Some Veggies: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the ground beef or stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end until it wilts.
- Switch up the Cheese: Try using Pepper Jack for a spicy version, Colby for a milder flavor, or even smoked Gouda for a sophisticated twist.
What to Serve with Your Pasta
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it with a side of Healthy Sauteed Vegetables for a balanced meal, or some warm Butter Swim Biscuits to sop up every last drop of the delicious cheese sauce.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are fantastic, if you have any! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or beef broth to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do not recommend freezing this recipe. Dairy-based sauces like this one can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated, affecting the overall texture of the dish.
This dish is best served fresh, as the pasta will absorb the sauce as it sits. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the bacon and onion and browning the ground beef.
Absolutely! While ground beef gives it the classic ‘cheeseburger’ flavor, you could easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of this pasta dish.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.
We recommend using a short pasta shape with plenty of ridges or curves to hold the creamy sauce. Rotini, shells, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni are all excellent choices for this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes To Try
If you loved this easy skillet meal, be sure to check out some of our other favorites! This Cajun Steak Pasta is packed with bold, spicy flavor, and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a simple yet elegant side or main dish.
The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the beef broth, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Stir in half of the crispy bacon. Serve immediately, topping each bowl with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Don't Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta until just al dente as it will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the richest, creamiest result, use whole milk and full-fat cream cheese.
Share This Amazing Recipe!
We know you and your family will absolutely love this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. It’s the perfect meal for any night of the week and is destined to become a new favorite. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share it with your friends on Pinterest!
