Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Warm up with this skillet full of beef bacon cheeseburger pasta—creamy sauce, smoky beef bacon, and loads of gooey cheddar come together fast in one pan. Whenever I want something cozy and loaded with flavor but don't want a big mess, this is my go-to. It's perfect for those nights when everyone's hungry but you don't have time for complicated meals.

I got some laughs at home the first time I made this—folks said it's like a burger crashing into mac and cheese. Now, if I ask what to make for dinner, this is always in the top picks.

Mouthwatering Ingredients

• Flour: gives your sauce that thick and creamy feel—use all-purpose and scatter it in slow so you don't get lumps
• Milk: makes the base of the sauce rich and smooth—whole milk is best, but two percent works too
• Worcestershire sauce: amps up the flavor—grab the fancy kind if it’s around, but any will work for that savory boost
• Salt and pepper: brighten and finish off everything—using sea salt and fresh ground pepper makes a difference
• Cooked beef bacon, crumbled: gives a smoky bite and crispy bits—make it nice and crunchy, then pat off the extra grease
• Ketchup: throws in those classic burger vibes—pick one that isn’t overly sweet if you can
• Cooked pasta: grab rotini for maximum sauce grab, but penne gives a firmer chew—don’t overcook it, al dente is your friend
• Shredded cheddar cheese: for meltiness and a punch of cheddar flavor—sharp cheddar gives the best taste
• Ground beef: provides a hearty base—eighty percent lean gives you juiciness without too much grease

Easy Step-by-Step

Dish It Up:

Dive in while it's hot, straight from the pan—it’s at peak gooeyness now. Sprinkle on a bit more bacon or cheddar if you want it extra loaded.

Mix In Pasta Beef Bacon Cheese:

Stir in your cooked noodles, crispy beef bacon, and cheddar until everything's melted and pasta is totally coated with that cheesy sauce. This is where it all gets irresistible.

Season & Let It Bubble:

Squeeze in the ketchup, pour in Worcestershire, give it a good dose of salt and pepper. Stir it all up and let it gently cook for a couple more minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce gets even richer.

Get Saucy:

Keep that beef in the pan, dust the flour right over it, and stir to coat. Drizzle in milk little by little, stirring all the time to prevent clumps, until your sauce looks glossy and gets that creamy thickness.

Brown Your Beef:

Grab a big skillet and cook the ground beef over medium, breaking it up as it goes until every bit is browned. Pour off extra fat so your sauce doesn’t feel heavy.

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The sharp cheddar is the real showstopper here. I can't get over how perfectly it melts right into every noodle. My nephew says it's my 'super hero dinner' since everyone comes running when it hits the stove.

Leftover Care

Let leftovers cool off, then stash in a tight-Seal container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To heat, just toss it back in a pan with a splash of milk and warm gently—it’ll bring the sauce right back. Skip freezing this one, the sauce just doesn’t come back quite right after thawing.

Swap Outs

Try ground turkey or meatless crumbles for a lighter dish. Want more heat? Swap cheddar for pepper jack. Forgot the Worcestershire? Mix in a splash of soy sauce and a bit of smoked paprika—you’ll still get that deep, savory kick.

Serving Ideas

Add color with a crisp side salad or some roasted broccoli. Sometimes I top each serving with mustard or sliced pickles for a real burger feel. Got some buns? Toast ’em up for a playful side.

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Background

Midwest families whip this up all the time because it’s dinner comfort and classic burger flavors in one. Kinda like getting diner food at home, but easier and in one skillet. Inspired by all the tasty notes of a beef bacon cheeseburger, but made quicker for weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What pasta shapes are good here?

Try penne or rotini since they soak up sauce well, but elbows or shells are great too if that's what you have on hand.

→ Could I make this skillet dish in advance?

Totally—just whip it up ahead of time, reheat gently later, and maybe splash in a little milk if it looks thickened up.

→ Can I swap beef for ground turkey or chicken?

For sure. Using chicken or turkey will make it lighter and still taste just right with that bacon in there.

→ How do I spice it up?

Throw in some chopped jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or a dusting of cayenne for more fire.

→ What should I serve along with this?

Steamed veggies, crunchy green salad, or even garlic bread go awesome with this cheesy pasta.