Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect mash-up of two comfort-food favorites. It delivers all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger—savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and rich melted cheese—tossed with tender pasta in a creamy, satisfying sauce. This quick and hearty dinner is ideal for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
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8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
Short shapes work best for holding the sauce
For the Meat
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1 lb ground beef
(Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute) -
6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
For the Sauce
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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4 oz cream cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart, until fully browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Stir the crispy bacon into the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until melted, smooth, and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss for 1–2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy meat sauce.
Serve hot. Garnish with extra bacon or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
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Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
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Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente keeps it from getting mushy
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Drain excess grease to prevent the sauce from becoming oily
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Add a splash of milk if the sauce feels too thick
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Customize it with pickles, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of burger sauce