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This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta brings together all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, one-pan pasta meal. Extra creamy cheese sauce hugs every bite of beefy pasta with smoky bacon for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. I originally put this together on a whim to satisfy a burger craving without firing up the grill and now it is requested monthly by my family.
The first time I made this after a long day, the aroma alone had everyone running to the kitchen. Now it is my favorite cozy dinner when we want comfort without takeout.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides hearty richness and brings authentic burger flavor. Opt for freshly ground with some fat content for juiciness.
- Rotini or penne pasta: Acts as the perfect vehicle for catching all that rich sauce. Choose shapes with ridges for better sauciness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce for the ultimate cheesiness. I like sharp cheddar for a tangy bite.
- Beef bacon: Gives a smoky, meaty punch. Use high quality beef bacon for bold flavor.
- Milk: Forms the creamy base of the sauce. Whole milk is best for richness.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and makes it silky. Sift for lump free blending.
- Ketchup: Adds classic burger tang and sweetness. Go with your favorite brand for familiar flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides a deep savory note. Check the label for quality aged ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper: Tie everything together and brighten each layer.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until well browned. Use a spatula to break it up finely while browning and allow extra time for deep caramelized edges. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasy sauce.
- Build the Roux:
- Sprinkle flour evenly over browned beef in the skillet and stir thoroughly so every crumb is coated. This step prevents floury lumps later and ensures a silky sauce.
- Whisk in Dairy:
- Slowly pour milk into the beef mixture, whisking constantly. The sauce will look thick at first but keep whisking gently and it will smooth out as it heats. Make sure to scrape all browned bits from the pan base for maximum flavor.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and simmer two to three minutes until the sauce bubbles gently and thickens to coat a spoon. Adjust salt and pepper as needed after tasting.
- Assemble and Melt:
- Add cooked pasta, crumbled beef bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and make sure cheese melts evenly and all pasta is coated in the luxurious sauce. Let it sit off the heat for one minute which helps the sauce cling.
- Serve and Top:
- Spoon into bowls while piping hot. If you love bold flavor, sprinkle on extra cheddar or more crumbled beef bacon just before serving.
Watching the cheese melt into the beefy sauce always makes me think of summer cookouts when my dad would load burgers with extra cheddar. Now that flavor comes together in minutes and everyone gathers for seconds without needing the grill.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce. You can freeze single portions as well but fresh cheese texture is best right after cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version. Gluten free pasta can be swapped for regular and plant based cheese or non dairy milk works for a dairy free adaptation. Substitute turkey bacon or veggie bacon strips if you do not eat beef bacon.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta stands firmly on its own but it loves a crisp green salad on the side or classic burger toppings like sliced pickles fresh tomato chunks or diced onions stirred in at the end. You can pile it in bowls or spoon it over baked potatoes for an ultra comforting twist.
Cultural and Seasonal Context
This recipe brings together American diner flavors with the convenience of a skillet meal. When grills are packed away for winter this dish brings back nostalgic cheeseburger nights indoors. In the summer try adding grilled veggies or fresh herbs to brighten the dish.
Success Stories
Friends have tried this at family gatherings with rave reviews even from picky eaters. Readers have shared it was the first dish their kids helped cook or that it made a birthday dinner extra special. Seeing empty plates and requests for seconds is always the sign of a winning pasta.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Double the recipe easily for make ahead freezer meals. Portion into containers leave off the extra cheese topping and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered with a splash of milk then finish with fresh cheddar before serving to revive that gooey texture.
This creamy pasta turns burger night into a cozy family dinner you can whip up anytime. Double the batch for the freezer and get ready for happy faces around the table.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use regular bacon instead of beef bacon?
Yes, regular pork bacon works equally well and brings classic smoky flavor to the dish.
- → What other pasta shapes can I use?
Rotini and penne are ideal, but shells or fusilli hold the sauce nicely too.
- → Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- → How do I make the sauce creamier?
Try stirring in a bit of cream cheese or extra shredded cheddar for a richer, creamier finish.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Chopped tomatoes, diced onions, or bell peppers sautéed with the beef add flavor and texture.
- → Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for optional heat.