Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

If you’re craving a dish that combines all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger with the cozy comfort of pasta, then Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is exactly what you need. This savory, creamy, and cheesy meal delivers bold flavors with crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta balances rich textures and vibrant flavors effortlessly, turning weeknight dinners into a feast you’ll look forward to every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: It blends the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy pasta for a warm, satisfying dish.
• Quick and Simple: Uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Versatile and Family-Friendly: This recipe suits kids and adults alike, pleasing all taste buds without fuss.
• Loaded with Flavor: Savory bacon, melty cheese, and seasoned beef create a taste sensation in every bite.
• Great Make-Ahead Meal: Holds up well for leftovers and makes fantastic next-day lunches or dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each adding a key element to texture, flavor, or color. From smoky bacon and juicy ground beef to creamy cheese and tender pasta, every component plays a delicious role.

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base essential for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Bacon: Adds irresistible smokiness and crunch to complement the creamy sauce.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni or small shells work best, offering great bite and soaking up the sauce nicely.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melted cheese brings gooey richness and depth.
• Heavy Cream and Milk: Create the smooth, luscious sauce that ties everything together.
• Onion and Garlic: Flavor enhancers that boost the savory profile of the dish.
• Tomato Paste or Diced Tomatoes: Adds subtle acidity and balances the creaminess with freshness.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a slight tang that mimics the burger’s signature zing.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and optional chili flakes bring warmth and complexity.

Variations for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

One of the best things about Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak the recipe to match your dietary preferences or what’s on hand in your kitchen. Here are some fun ideas to make this dish your own.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for diced mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or chopped tomatoes for a fresh, colorful boost.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like it hot.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese to enjoy this recipe without dairy.
• Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for unique flavors and textures.

How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef

Start by pan-frying diced bacon until crisp, then remove and drain off excess fat. In the same pan, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika as it cooks. This layering of flavors forms the base of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until softened and fragrant. This step adds depth and aromatic richness that’s key to a flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

While the beef and aromatics cook, boil pasta according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside, keeping it al dente so it can soak up the sauce without getting mushy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Return to the skillet to mix in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and warm, then sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted into a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and browned beef back into the creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta, then heat for a few minutes allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with additional cheese or fresh herbs if you like, then serve piping hot for maximum indulgence and cheeseburger satisfaction.

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

• Use Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts best and delivers a rich, authentic cheeseburger flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta slightly less than recommended keeps it perfect when combined with sauce.
• Render Bacon Slowly: Crisp bacon without burning by cooking on medium heat.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust creaminess and seasoning to your liking by adding more cheese or mustard.
• Mix Ingredients Evenly: Stir well when combining components to ensure every forkful has bacon, beef, and cheese.

How to Serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Garnishes

Top the dish with freshly chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added texture and color contrast.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement this rich dish well, balancing heaviness with fresh, crisp bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in a bread bowl for an extra indulgent twist, or portion into individual ramekins and broil for a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; simply cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, or penne all work well because they hold sauce nicely and provide satisfying texture.

Is Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta very high in calories?

It’s a rich dish thanks to cheese, bacon, and cream, but you can lighten it by swapping heavy cream for milk or reducing certain ingredients without sacrificing taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables such as mushrooms and smoked paprika for that savory flavor.

How spicy is the dish?

The classic recipe isn’t spicy unless you add chili flakes or jalapeños; it’s perfect for those who prefer a mild, cheesy flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up easily and retains its deliciousness whether halved or doubled, making it great for meal prep or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta brings together beloved flavors in a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying way that’s both simple to prepare and irresistible to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving your favorite burger in pasta form, this recipe promises a delicious experience that will have you making it again and again.

Related Posts

• Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
• Oven Baked Chicken Bites
• Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl

Print