Introduction To Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Craving a cheeseburger and pasta at the same time? Meet your new obsession—Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. This dish takes everything you love about a classic bacon cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, savory sauces—and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy, one-skillet pasta masterpiece. It’s hearty, fast, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor in every forkful.
You get the satisfaction of a bacon cheeseburger combined with the cozy comfort of a pasta dinner, all cooked together in a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The rich sauce clings to every twist of pasta, and crispy bacon sprinkled on top adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for a weeknight dinner that delivers big on taste, this skillet meal is pure comfort food magic.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
It’s the best of both worlds—pasta and burgers. The familiarity of cheeseburger flavors makes it kid-approved, while the smoky bacon and creamy cheese sauce appeal to adults, too. The one-skillet method means fewer dishes and faster cleanup, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. It’s also easily customizable—add veggies, change the cheese, spice it up, or make it lighter if needed. And let’s be honest, anytime bacon and cheese are involved, you’re going to win some hearts (and appetites). This dish is beloved because it’s comforting, filling, and makes leftovers that are just as delicious the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ One-skillet, easy cleanup ✅ Full of creamy, cheesy, meaty flavor ✅ A complete meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes ✅ Kids and adults both go crazy for it ✅ Tastes like a cheeseburger in pasta form
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of cheeseburger flavor in pasta form:
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1 small onion, diced
- 🥓 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 🍅 1/2 cup ketchup
- 🥄 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 🥣 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 🥛 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 🍲 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 🍝 3 cups dry pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini work great)
- 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup mozzarella (optional for extra meltiness)
- 🧈 1 tbsp butter (optional for richness)
- 🌿 Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
- 🌶️ Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika or hot sauce for added heat
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics 🍔🧅
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Season with salt and pepper. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add Sauces and Bacon 🥓🍅
Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and tomato paste until well combined. Add the cooked crumbled bacon (reserving a bit for garnish if desired) and stir. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 3: Pour in the Liquids and Pasta 🍝
Add the beef broth and milk to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the dry pasta. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed. If it looks too thick during cooking, add a splash more broth or milk.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese 🧀
Once the pasta is cooked and saucy, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter. Top with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley or green onions if using.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy 🥣
Spoon into bowls and serve hot while the cheese is gooey. Offer extra hot sauce, pickles on the side, or even a drizzle of burger sauce for an authentic twist.
Variation:
- Pickle Punch – Add chopped pickles or relish at the end for that true cheeseburger tang
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese
- Veggie Add-In – Stir in cooked mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
- Lighter Version – Use lean beef, low-fat milk, and reduce the cheese slightly
- Turkey Cheeseburger Pasta – Swap ground beef with ground turkey
- Deluxe Cheeseburger Pasta – Top with crispy onion strings or a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing
COOKING Note:
Use a deep skillet or sauté pan to give the pasta space to cook evenly. Covering the skillet during the pasta-cooking stage helps trap steam and softens the pasta quickly. Stir often to prevent sticking or burning. If using a larger pasta shape like rigatoni, add 1/4 cup more liquid and extend the cook time a few minutes. Don’t add all the cheese at once—stir in batches for smoother results.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with garlic bread or toasted burger buns
- A side of dill pickles or coleslaw complements the burger flavor
- Add a light green salad to balance the richness
- Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold root beer
- For dessert, try milkshakes or chocolate chip cookies for a diner-inspired meal
Tips:
- Shred your own cheese for better melt and texture
- Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving—sauce thickens and flavors deepen
- Double the recipe for a party or leftovers—it reheats well
- Want a smoky BBQ flavor? Add 1 tbsp barbecue sauce with the ketchup
- Add a pinch of baking soda to the meat while cooking for extra tender beef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximate):
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 880mg
FAQs:
Can I use boxed mac and cheese instead of cooking pasta in the skillet?
You can, but cooking everything together allows the flavors to develop more fully and creates a creamier result. However, boxed mac and cheese can work in a pinch.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like elbow, penne, or rotini hold the sauce well and mimic the “burger” bite.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, though the texture may soften. Cool completely before freezing in portions and reheat gently.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or spicy cheese like pepper jack.
Conclusion:
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food fusion. Every spoonful is packed with the savory, smoky flavor of a bacon cheeseburger but wrapped in the creamy, cozy embrace of cheesy pasta. It’s satisfying, easy, and made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this one-skillet dinner brings restaurant-level taste to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or play around with variations, one thing is certain—you’ll be coming back for seconds.
