Go Back

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Marrying the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and comforting mac and cheese, this easy one-pan pasta dish is a weeknight hero. It's fast, simple, and packed with irresistible bacon, beef, and cheesy goodness, making it a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 or lean
  • 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta al dente, or elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp, mild, or cheddar-jack blend
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled beef bacon crispy, regular pork bacon also works
  • 1 cup milk whole, 2% or skim
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Largest Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Brown Your Beef: Grab your largest skillet and pop it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook until beautifully browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the browned beef and stir until coated. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until a smooth, creamy sauce begins to form.
  3. Step 3: Season and Thicken: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened nicely and coats the back of your spoon.
  4. Step 4: Combine All the Goodness: Add the pre-cooked pasta, crispy crumbled beef bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until the cheese is melted and gooey, coating every ingredient.
  5. Step 5: Serve It Up: As soon as the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, serve your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta hot and enjoy!

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Use your favorite short pasta like elbow macaroni, shells, or orecchiette. Experiment with cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Boost veggies by adding diced onions, bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn. For a kick, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños. Top with diced pickles, fresh chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, or ranch dressing.
Tips for Success: Always properly drain excess fat from the beef. Whisk continuously when adding milk to prevent lumps. Cook pasta to al dente or slightly under. Taste and adjust seasonings before adding pasta and cheese. Ensure bacon is nice and crispy.
Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce is too thick.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2-3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread would be perfect.
Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite dairy-free milk alternative (unsweetened plain almond or soy milk work well) and a good quality dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese.