Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta is the comfort food that fixes a busy weeknight or satisfies a weekend craving. With quick-cooked beef and bacon, gooey cheese, and sauce that hits all the cheeseburger notes, this skillet brings all the nostalgia of a classic burger to your table in about thirty minutes.

I made this for a last-minute birthday dinner and even picky eaters went back for seconds. It quickly became my ace in the hole when I need everyone happy at the table.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: this brings richness and classic burger flavor choose lean beef for less grease
• Cooked pasta: rotini or penne catch the sauce perfectly cook al dente so it holds up in the skillet
• Shredded cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar is best for cheeseburger taste try to shred your own for best melt
• Cooked bacon: smoky and salty with a crisp texture pick thick cut bacon for bigger bites
• Milk: helps create the creamy sauce use whole milk for extra richness if possible
• Flour: this thickens the sauce all purpose flour works great make sure it is fresh to avoid clumps
• Ketchup: gives a sweet tang reminiscent of a burger try to use a ketchup with real sugar for best flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: brings umami savoriness that deepens the meatiness avoid brands with too much salt if possible
• Salt and pepper: brings out all the flavors taste as you go to balance it just right

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat stirring occasionally until it is fully browned and crumbly this usually takes about eight to ten minutes make sure to break up the beef so there are no large chunks once cooked drain off any extra fat to avoid a greasy sauce

Make the Sauce Base:

Sprinkle the flour over the browned beef stir constantly to coat the meat and absorb the fat then slowly pour in the milk whisking or stirring well to remove any lumps continue simmering and stirring until you see the sauce beginning to thicken about three to four minutes do not rush this or the sauce could get lumpy

Add Flavor:

Mix in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce stir to combine well then season with salt and black pepper taste at this point to make sure the sauce is not too salty or bland let the sauce simmer gently for two to three minutes so the flavors deepen and meld

Combine Pasta and Toppings:

Add your cooked pasta along with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese stir everything together thoroughly keep the skillet on low heat and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and coats every single piece of pasta if the sauce looks too thick add a splash more milk and stir until silky

Serve Up:

Dish out the hot pasta straight from the skillet if you want it extra indulgent top with extra cheese or bacon and serve immediately for the best melty texture

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I always get excited as the cheddar melts in because it smells just like my favorite diner growing up. My brother always sneaks the crispy bacon bits right from the skillet before I can stir them in.

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating add a splash of milk before microwaving or reheating on the stove to loosen up the sauce and bring it back to its original creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey for ground beef to lighten it up without losing the burger flavor. Any short pasta shape works from fusilli to elbow macaroni. If you are out of Worcestershire sauce a dash of soy sauce and a smidge of vinegar does the trick. Try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese if you want a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this skillet meal as is for a hearty main or add a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full dinner. You can top it with diced pickles or a drizzle of extra ketchup for more burger vibes. It is also delicious with crispy onions or even a dab of mustard for something fun.

Cultural Context

This dish is a playful mashup of American classics. Cheeseburgers and creamy casseroles both spell comfort food in my house. By blending the two you get a family friendly dinner that feels retro and modern all at once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Rotini or penne work best as their shapes hold the sauce well, but any medium-sized pasta can be used.

→ Can I use a cheese other than cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Colby, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I make this dish creamier?

For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream, cream cheese, or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before mixing in the pasta.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it ahead of time, but it’s best to reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

→ What’s a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar for a similar savory flavor.