If your favorite bacon cheeseburger and creamy mac & cheese had a baby, it would be this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. It’s savory, cheesy, smoky, and packed with flavor — everything you want in a weeknight dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes or less.
Made in one skillet for minimal cleanup, this recipe combines seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, tender pasta, melty cheese, and just a touch of ketchup and mustard for that signature cheeseburger flavor. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
???? Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 12 oz short pasta (like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
- ¾ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for thinning)
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
???????? Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add in diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Step 4: Make It Cheeseburger-y
Stir in ketchup and mustard. Return the bacon to the skillet and mix well.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pasta
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked pasta, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Mix until everything is creamy and coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with extra cheese, parsley or green onions, and serve hot!
???? Nutrition (Per Serving – approx.)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
???? Tips & Tricks
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap the meat: Try ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Go deluxe: Add chopped pickles or tomatoes on top for real burger vibes.
- Lighten it up: Use milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
- Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully with a splash of milk or water.
???? From Me to You
This recipe came from a random weeknight craving and quickly became a regular in my rotation. It hits all the right notes — cheesy, savory, smoky, and oh-so comforting. And the best part? One skillet. One cleanup. And smiles all around the table.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hungry teens, or just want something indulgent after a long day, this dish delivers.
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