Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Introduction

Looking for a comfort food dinner that combines all your favorite flavors in one dish? This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent recipe that will satisfy your burger cravings without firing up the grill. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this dish is packed with savory beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender pasta, all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce.

My Recipe Story

This recipe was born out of a craving for a classic bacon cheeseburger but with a twist. I wanted to create a one-pan meal that was quick to make, but still had all the comfort and indulgence of a traditional burger. After a few test runs, adjusting cheese ratios, bacon crispiness, and seasoning levels, this skillet recipe came together beautifully. Every bite delivers that perfect combination of creamy, salty, and savory flavors that makes you want to go back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a complete meal in one skillet—pasta, beef, cheese, and bacon all in one dish.
• Quick and easy, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort food fast.
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses, pasta types, and toppings.
• Kid-friendly and family-approved, even picky eaters love it.
• Rich, cheesy, and savory flavors that mimic a classic bacon cheeseburger.
• Freezer-friendly and reheats well for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredient Breakdown

For the pasta, I recommend using a short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini. These shapes hold onto the creamy cheese sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Ground beef forms the base protein, and it’s seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder to enhance its natural flavor. Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that balances the richness of the cheese.

The cheese sauce is the real star of this dish. A combination of cheddar and American cheese melts smoothly into a creamy, velvety sauce. Adding a little milk or half-and-half creates a rich texture, while Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce bring depth and a subtle tang that elevates the flavors. Finally, diced onions, garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika add aromatic layers that make this skillet irresistibly savory.

Optional extras like diced tomatoes, pickles, or even a touch of hot sauce can enhance the dish further, giving it a true cheeseburger vibe. The key is balancing the creamy sauce with the crispy bacon and perfectly cooked pasta for a harmonious bite every time.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan for pasta (if not cooking in one pan)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Colander for draining pasta
• Grater for cheese (if using block cheese)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
2. Cook the bacon: While the pasta is cooking, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onions to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. These aromatics will infuse the sauce with a savory depth that complements the beef and cheese perfectly.
4. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
5. Make the cheese sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk or half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Gradually add shredded cheddar and American cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the cheese sauce. Stir in the crispy bacon and adjust seasoning if necessary. The pasta should be glossy, creamy, and perfectly coated with the savory sauce.
7. Optional toppings: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top, add diced tomatoes, pickles, or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flavor. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
8. Serve and enjoy: Dish out portions directly from the skillet while hot. Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness, or enjoy it on its own for a hearty, indulgent meal.

Variations & Substitutions

You can customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Use any short pasta shape you like, or try whole wheat or gluten-free varieties. Cheese-wise, feel free to mix cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavor profiles. For extra veggies, add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in some nutrition.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

• Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• For maximum flavor, use a mix of cheeses and don’t skimp on the bacon crispiness.
• Stir frequently when melting cheese to prevent clumping or burning.
• If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of milk or cream to balance the flavors.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Place leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For freezing, divide into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce texture. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta and beef fresh when ready to serve.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Serve this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans balances the richness of the cheese sauce. For drinks, a crisp soda, iced tea, or light beer pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavors. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and a burst of freshness.

FAQ

1. Can I use pre-cooked bacon? Yes, pre-cooked bacon works well and saves time. Add it at the end to maintain crispiness.
2. Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian bacon or extra vegetables.
3. What if I don’t have American cheese? You can use extra cheddar, mozzarella, or any meltable cheese for a creamy sauce.
4. Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, shells, or macaroni works well to hold the sauce.
5. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick? Add reserved pasta water or a splash of milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Can I freeze this pasta? Yes, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and stir to restore creaminess.

Final Thoughts

The Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy pasta dish. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, it’s a dinner that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Whether for a weeknight meal, casual gathering, or meal prep, this skillet brings convenience and indulgence to your table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for busy nights and comfort food cravings!

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with beef, bacon, and pasta, this skillet delivers all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in one hearty meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta of choice

• 1 lb ground beef

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded American cheese

• 1 cup milk or half-and-half

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, pickles, hot sauce, extra cheese

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, cook until al dente, drain, and reserve a cup of pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, then remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Add diced onion to the skillet, sauté for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

4. Add ground beef, cook until browned, about 7–10 minutes, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, and drain excess fat if needed.

5. Reduce heat to low, stir in milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Gradually add cheeses, stirring until smooth. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.

6. Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, stir in crispy bacon, and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Optional: top with extra cheese, diced tomatoes, pickles, or hot sauce, cover for 2–3 minutes to melt cheese.

8. Serve hot, pairing with salad, garlic bread, or vegetables as desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Customize with different cheeses, pasta shapes, or vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American