A Delectable Twist on a Classic Burger!

If you’re a fan of bacon cheeseburgers, you’re in for a treat with this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta! This comforting pasta dish brings all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger savory beef, crispy bacon, tangy ketchup, and creamy cheese sauce straight to your plate in the form of a one-skillet pasta meal. It’s rich, satisfying, and a guaranteed hit for the whole family, making it the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

Here’s what makes this dish so crave-worthy:

All-in-One Cheeseburger Flavor: Each bite is packed with the classic bacon cheeseburger taste we love, with cheesy, beefy goodness.
Quick & Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying a comfort food craving in no time.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy pasta that delivers a nostalgic fast-food flavor in a homemade, wholesome way.
One-Pan Convenience: With everything cooked in one skillet (aside from the pasta), cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering meal:

8 oz rotini pasta
Tip: Rotini is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape.
1 lb ground beef
Tip: Use lean ground beef for a less greasy sauce, but any ground beef will work here.
6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Tip: For quick prep, you can use pre-cooked bacon or cook your bacon in the microwave if you’re short on time.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
Tip: This adds a rich flavor and helps thin the sauce.
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
Tip: Yellow mustard adds that familiar burger tang, but you can substitute with Dijon for a milder flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy. Tip: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble the meat for an even texture.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the browned ground beef. Stir well to coat the beef in seasoning, bringing out that delicious cheeseburger flavor. Tip: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste—if you like it extra garlicky or with a bit more onion flavor, add a bit more!

Step 4: Add the Saucy Ingredients

Pour in the beef broth, ketchup, and mustard, and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. Tip: The ketchup and mustard create a balance of tang and sweetness, so if you want a bolder flavor, feel free to add an extra spoonful of ketchup.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it’s fully melted and combined into the sauce. Tip: If the cream cheese isn’t soft enough to melt easily, you can microwave it for a few seconds before adding it in.

Step 6: Melt the Cheddar Cheese 🧀

Once the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Tip: Make sure the heat is low at this point to avoid the cheese separating or burning.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each piece of pasta is well-coated in the cheesy, beefy sauce. Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Add the Bacon

Finally, stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a bit for garnish if you like. This gives every bite a bit of that crispy, smoky bacon flavor we all love.

Serve and Garnish 🍲

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and any reserved bacon crumbles. The parsley adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to balance out the richness of the dish.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pasta 🍔🍝

Customizable Cheese Options: While cheddar gives a classic burger flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for extra creaminess or pepper jack for a kick of heat.
Bacon Prep Shortcuts: If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even bacon bits, though freshly cooked bacon will give the best flavor and texture.
Adjusting the Texture: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or beef broth. For a thicker, extra-creamy texture, add a bit more cream cheese.

What to Serve with Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta 🥗

Here are some side options to make this meal even more satisfying:

Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: What’s pasta without some warm, buttery garlic bread? Perfect for soaking up every bit of that cheesy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus as a healthy, colorful side dish.

The Story Behind This Recipe 🧑‍🍳

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta came to life when I wanted a quick, cozy meal that delivered on flavor without the fuss of making individual burgers. By combining the best of both worlds—pasta and cheeseburgers—this recipe was born! The addition of bacon and creamy cheese takes it over the top, making it a family favorite that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Whether you’re a fan of pasta, cheeseburgers, or both, this dish is sure to be a new comfort food staple in your kitchen. It’s an easy way to bring bold, satisfying flavors to the table with minimal effort.