This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup your family will ask for again and again. Imagine all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic bacon cheeseburger tossed with tender pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution. If you’re ready for the best cheesy pasta dish you’ve ever had, you’ve come to the right place.
We combine seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a decadent cheese sauce to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a Weeknight Winner
When it comes to easy and satisfying family meals, this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe checks all the boxes. It captures the irresistible flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a simple, straightforward pasta dish. It’s a fantastic alternative to your usual spaghetti night and comes together in just about 40 minutes.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Every bite is loaded with savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and a super creamy, tangy cheese sauce.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, using simple ingredients and a streamlined process.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this cheesy delight. For another family favorite, try this classic old-fashioned goulash recipe (coming soon).
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite burger toppings like diced tomatoes, pickles, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature cheeseburger flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Pasta and Beef
- Pasta: Medium shells or a similar shape like rotini or elbow macaroni work best to catch all the sauce.
- Ground Beef: We recommend 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds a crispy, smoky element that is absolutely essential.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational savory flavor of the dish.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Beef Broth: Forms the base of our sauce, adding depth and richness.
- Ketchup & Mustard: These classic burger condiments provide that signature tangy flavor. A little Worcestershire sauce also adds a great umami kick.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Cheddar & American Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and American cheese for ultimate meltiness creates the perfect sauce texture.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Step-by-Step
Making this creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Brown the Beef: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Make It Cheesy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar and American cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Crumble the cooked bacon and stir half of it into the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta
Want to take your Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always shred your cheese from a block.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat of the sauce. Cook it just until al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this is a simple dish, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Using good quality beef, bacon, and cheese will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. If you enjoy hearty beef dishes, this comforting beef stew recipe is another must-try.
Fun Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Think of it as a blank canvas for your favorite cheeseburger toppings!
- Add Veggies: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try using pepper jack, Colby, or a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, chopped red onion, and a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce. This makes it a fun, interactive meal, similar to these cheeseburger sliders.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. For a truly decadent meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy cheese sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are great leaner alternatives to ground beef. Because they have less fat, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking the onions.
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the components ahead of time. Cook the bacon and brown the beef and onions in advance. When ready to eat, simply combine everything and proceed with cooking the pasta in the sauce as directed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
This is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Medium pasta shapes with ridges or cups are ideal for this recipe as they hold the creamy cheese sauce well. We recommend medium shells, rotini, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Turn off the heat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the shredded cheddar and American cheese slices. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in half of the crispy bacon. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: Feel free to customize with your favorite burger toppings like diced pickles or tomatoes stirred in at the end.
Share Your Creation!
We know this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta will be a new favorite. If you make it, we’d love to see! Share a photo and tag us, or save this recipe to your dinner board on Pinterest. Your shares help us bring more delicious recipes to you!
