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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – A Fun Homemade Dinner Idea Kids Love Thumbnail

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the bold flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with creamy, cheesy pasta. Made with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce that coats every bite, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights. It’s a family-friendly meal that kids love and adults crave, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners. Easy to customize and made in one skillet, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • 8 oz short pasta penne, rotini, or macaroni work great
  • 6 bacon strips chopped into small pieces
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp mustard yellow or Dijon
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, well drained
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup cream cheese
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • Chopped pickles for topping (optional)
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Method
 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
    2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Scoop it out and reserve, keeping the flavorful bacon grease in the pan.
      3. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef browns and the onion softens, about 6 minutes. Drain off excess grease if needed.
        4. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant.
          5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, and cream. Stir well and allow the mixture to gently simmer.
            6. Reduce heat to low and mix in the cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
              7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in that cheesy burger-style sauce.
                8. Fold in the crispy bacon and give everything one final stir.
                  9. Finish with chopped pickles and parsley if you like, then serve hot.

                    Notes

                    FAQs

                    Can I swap the pasta shape?
                     Definitely. Any short pasta works well, especially ones with ridges to grab the sauce.
                    Is this meal prep friendly?
                     Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
                    Can I change the protein?
                     Ground turkey or chicken works fine for a lighter version, though beef gives the most classic burger flavor.

                    Notes, Tips & Extras

                    • Extra cheesy? Add more shredded cheddar right before serving.
                    • Love heat? Toss in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
                    • A drizzle of burger sauce or extra ketchup takes the flavor up a notch.

                    Serving Ideas

                    Serve this pasta with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but plays well with lighter sides.

                    Final Thoughts

                    Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is comfort food at its finest—bold, creamy, and packed with familiar flavors everyone loves. It’s quick enough for busy nights, indulgent enough for cravings, and guaranteed to become a repeat request. One skillet, big flavor, zero regrets 🍝🥓💛