Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Introduction

Did you know that you can combine all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger into a creamy pasta dish? This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is rich, hearty, and perfect for comfort food cravings, featuring savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender pasta.

It’s a family-friendly, weeknight-friendly dish that’s easy to assemble yet decadent.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

Optional Toppings

Diced pickles
Sliced cherry tomatoes
Green onions
Extra shredded cheddar cheese

Ingredient Tip: Use sharp cheddar for a more flavorful sauce.

Timing

Step	Time
Prep	15 minutes
Cook	25 minutes
Total	~40 minutes

Pro Tip: Cook pasta slightly underdone; it will absorb flavors in the sauce and remain perfectly tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Bacon & Beef

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy, remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika; cook 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour to make a roux; cook 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened.
Add cheddar cheese and mustard powder; stir until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Toss cooked pasta, beef mixture, bacon, and cheese sauce together in a large skillet or pot.
Mix thoroughly until pasta is coated with creamy cheese sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately, topped with optional pickles, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and extra cheese.
Great as a main dish for family dinners or game nights.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	28 g

Nutrition Insight: A hearty comfort food meal rich in protein and carbs—perfect for energy-dense dinners.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies
Substitute pasta with low-carb noodles for a keto-friendly version
Mix in pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli
Pair with garlic bread
Great for meal prep—reheat portions in the microwave or oven

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking pasta: Will become mushy after combining with sauce
Skipping roux for cheese sauce: Can result in grainy or thin sauce
Cooking bacon too late: Crispy bacon adds flavor and texture
Not mixing sauce thoroughly: Some pasta may remain dry

Storing Tips

Store in airtight container in fridge for 3–4 days
Reheat in microwave or on stovetop with a splash of milk
Can freeze in portions for up to 2 months