Hey y'all! If you're craving the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger fused with creamy, cheesy pasta, you're in for a treat with this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. It's comfort food at its finest—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. This dish is loaded with crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta—all tossed in a creamy sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes for stress-free dinners.
- Packed with bold, cheesy, and meaty flavors everyone adores.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters or family gatherings.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- 8 ounces (225g) rotini or penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups (175g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped pickles, green onions, or parsley for garnish
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Stir in drained diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine and let simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 5: Make It Cheesy and Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and everything is coated in a creamy sauce, about 2-3 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon your Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped pickles, green onions, or parsley for a tasty finish. Serve hot and dig in!
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Notes
- Use a good-quality cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and meltability—see tips on picking cheddar cheese.
- If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- You can make this dish ahead—simply reheat gently and add a little cream if needed. Learn about safe reheating from EatRight.org.
Variations on Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of chili flakes, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Loaded Veggie: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and double-check all sauces for hidden gluten.
Equipment Needed for Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storing and Reheating Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in 45-second bursts, stirring occasionally, or warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every bit of cheesy sauce.
- Top with extra pickles, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce for burger-inspired flair.
Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- For deeper flavor, caramelize the onions for 5 extra minutes before adding garlic.
- Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded. Check out this guide to shredding cheese.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta FAQ
- Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta?
Yes, but note the sauce may separate a little on thawing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat gently with added cream or milk. - What type of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or shells hold the sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying bite. - Can I lighten up this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey for beef, use turkey bacon, and swap in half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) rotini or penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
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3Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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4Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
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5Add the cooked pasta and half of the bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
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6Garnish with the remaining bacon and sliced green onions before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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