This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta brings all the flavors of a classic burger into one irresistibly cheesy and savory pasta dish. With crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, it’s comfort food that satisfies every craving.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need something hearty and delicious on the table fast, this one-pot meal is both easy to make and sure to impress the whole family. It’s everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger—reimagined in pasta form.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
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1 lb ground beef
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6 slices bacon, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1/2 cup milk
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
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Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add cheddar cheese soup, beef broth, milk, ketchup, and mustard to the skillet. Stir to combine.
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Mix in cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
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Fold in cooked bacon, reserving some for topping.
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Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook on low heat until cheese melts.
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Garnish with parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the Ultimate Comfort Food
When you think of comfort food, there are a few iconic dishes that come to mind—cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, maybe a hearty pasta bake. Now imagine all of those crave-worthy favorites coming together in one dish. That’s exactly what Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta delivers. It’s the ultimate fusion of flavors, combining the juicy satisfaction of a cheeseburger with the creamy indulgence of pasta. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and a silky, savory sauce come together in one pan to create a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick, easy, and completely irresistible.
What Makes This Dish So Popular?
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta has taken over dinner tables for good reason. It taps into the nostalgic flavors of a fast food cheeseburger—complete with hints of ketchup and mustard—while delivering the home-cooked satisfaction of a warm pasta dish. The combination of meat, cheese, and pasta is not only comforting but also incredibly filling and satisfying.
What sets this recipe apart from traditional casseroles or pasta bakes is its balance. The richness of the cheese is cut by the acidity of the mustard and ketchup, while the smoky, salty crunch of bacon adds texture and depth. All of this comes together in a one-skillet meal, minimizing the cleanup and maximizing the flavor.
A Time-Saving Weeknight Hero
One of the key advantages of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is its simplicity. You don’t need a dozen pans or complicated techniques. This dish is designed to come together quickly and efficiently—making it ideal for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Busy families, working professionals, and even college students can benefit from the one-pot nature of this recipe. It’s hearty enough to satisfy large appetites, and it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using common pantry ingredients that don’t require a special trip to the grocery store.
Customizing Your Cheeseburger Pasta
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. While the classic recipe uses ground beef and cheddar cheese, you can easily switch things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
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Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or go with a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Change the Pasta: Rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni are classic choices, but you could also use gluten-free pasta, whole wheat, or even a low-carb pasta alternative.
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Add Veggies: If you’re looking to sneak in more nutrients, chopped bell peppers, spinach, or diced tomatoes can add color and balance.
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Spice it Up: For a little heat, mix in crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
Customizing your cheeseburger pasta allows you to make it your own while still enjoying the comfort of the original.
A Dish for All Ages
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta isn’t just a hit with adults. Kids love it, too. The familiar flavors and cheesy goodness make it a no-brainer for picky eaters. It’s like their two favorite foods—burgers and mac & cheese—had a delicious baby. And for adults, it satisfies both the nostalgia factor and the need for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
For family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this dish performs well in every setting. It can be dressed up with a fresh parsley garnish or served as-is straight from the skillet. Either way, it’s always a win.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Although this pasta dish is a meal on its own, you can elevate it further with a few strategic pairings. Serve it alongside:
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A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
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Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for added texture and nutrition.
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Pickles or pickle chips on the side for a true burger-inspired experience.
And if you’re looking to add a drink, a crisp lager or a refreshing iced tea can enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta holds up extremely well when stored properly. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually develop more over time, making leftovers even better.
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. Alternatively, reheat the full batch in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
This dish also freezes well, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. If you’re freezing it, consider undercooking the pasta slightly to maintain the best consistency.
Why It Works: The Flavor Chemistry
This dish is more than just a comfort food mashup—it’s a masterclass in flavor balance. The savoriness of the beef and bacon complements the umami-rich cheddar cheese, while the acidic tang of mustard and ketchup keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy. The pasta acts as the perfect canvas, absorbing all the bold flavors and holding onto the creamy sauce.
Each bite brings together the components of a cheeseburger in a new, satisfying form. It’s creamy without being cloying, meaty without being greasy, and indulgent without being overly rich. That balance is what makes it work—and what keeps people coming back for more.
Crowd-Pleaser for Every Occasion
Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a game-day party, this recipe delivers. It scales easily for larger crowds and can even be turned into a casserole by transferring the mixture into a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
Its universal appeal makes it an excellent choice for potlucks, birthday dinners, or anytime you’re unsure what to make. People may come for the pasta, but they’ll stay for the flavor.
A Recipe Worth Repeating
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta isn’t one of those “try once and forget it” meals. It earns a regular spot in the weekly dinner rotation because it checks all the boxes—fast, flavorful, fun, and foolproof. The leftovers are just as tasty as the first serving, and its flexibility means you can tweak it every time you make it.
Whether you serve it on a cold winter night or a busy summer evening, this recipe consistently delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a classic comfort food—without the fuss.
Conclusion: A Comfort Classic, Reimagined
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is more than a creative twist on traditional dinner fare—it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and comfort. With ingredients that are easy to find and a method that’s hard to mess up, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family staple. The familiar flavors make it approachable, while the one-pot method keeps it practical for everyday cooking.
From the first bite to the last, it hits all the right notes: salty, cheesy, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this dish will not only impress—it’ll comfort and nourish in equal measure.
