Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

What if you could combine all the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger into a quick, creamy pasta dish?
That’s exactly what Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta delivers—a satisfying, cheesy, bacon-packed dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

This one-pan meal captures everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, from savory beef to smoky bacon, wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy sauce over tender pasta.

Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is easy, fast, and family-approved.
It turns a few pantry staples into a rich, comforting dinner without the need for complicated ingredients or techniques.

Prep and cook time combined is about 30 minutes.
It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

The creamy sauce, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and tender pasta deliver a comfort food experience that tastes like your favorite diner burger—without the bun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
• Rotini or penne hold the sauce well, but any sturdy pasta shape works.
• Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor punch, but mild or medium cheddar will also work.
• Cook the bacon ahead of time for quicker prep.
  Thick-cut bacon adds extra chew and flavor.

You can also add toppings like pickles, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce for a full cheeseburger experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned.
Break it into crumbles as it cooks for even texture.
Once browned, drain any excess fat to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.

2. Add Flour and Milk to Make a Sauce
Sprinkle the flour directly over the browned beef.
Stir well so the flour coats the beef and absorbs any remaining fat.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook and stir until the mixture forms a creamy sauce.

3. Add Flavor with Ketchup and Worcestershire
Stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors combine.

4. Stir in the Pasta, Bacon, and Cheese
Add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.
Stir thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
The cheese should blend smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, silky texture.

5. Serve Immediately
Serve hot straight from the skillet for the best texture and flavor.
Optionally, sprinkle more shredded cheese or crumbled bacon on top before serving.

How to Serve It Perfectly

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is rich and satisfying on its own.
But you can elevate it even more with simple sides or toppings.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness
• Add pickles, diced onions, or tomato slices on top for a true cheeseburger feel
• Offer hot sauce or mustard on the side for extra zing
• Pair with garlic bread or rolls for a full meal

This dish is perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or potlucks.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store leftovers
Let the pasta cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat
Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
You can also microwave individual servings for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

To freeze
Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-ahead tip
Cook the pasta and bacon ahead of time.
Store separately and assemble fresh for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

2. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Swap the ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet variation.

3. Veggie-Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.

These variations allow you to customize the dish based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Best

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect solution when you want the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger without firing up the grill.
It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and completely satisfying.

Quick enough for weeknights and indulgent enough for comfort-food cravings, this pasta dish is one you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

Try it once, and it might just become a new family favorite.

Tried it? Share your favorite add-ins or toppings in the comments and inspire others to customize their dish.

Print

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a leaner option.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir until smooth.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses like Colby-Jack are also great choices.

Can I add toppings after baking?
Yes. Top with diced tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, or even a drizzle of mustard for a full cheeseburger experience.