There’s something undeniably comforting about a good cheeseburger, but sometimes you want that familiar flavor in a different format. Enter this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – the perfect fusion dish that combines two family favorites into one incredible meal. It captures all the savory, cheesy goodness of a loaded burger but transforms it into a hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
This recipe takes the classic cheeseburger components – ground beef, cheese, bacon, and all your favorite toppings – and turns them into a creamy, satisfying pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing together the best of both worlds in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
- Kid-friendly meal that even picky eaters will devour
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings
- Ready in about 45 minutes for a quick weeknight solution
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked according to package directions (about 8 oz dry)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional, for authentic cheeseburger flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Extra crumbled bacon
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain well but do not rinse. If you’re timing this with the rest of your cooking, you can start the pasta water while preparing the beef, so everything finishes around the same time.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan, let cool slightly, then crumble into pieces. Set aside. You can leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan to add flavor when cooking the ground beef, or drain it completely and add a fresh tablespoon of oil if preferred.
- In the same large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the pan, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.
- Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add the crumbled bacon to the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet, followed by the Alfredo sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped pickles. This optional ingredient adds an authentic cheeseburger flavor and a nice tangy contrast to the creamy sauce. For pickle lovers, this step is highly recommended, but the dish is still delicious without them.
- Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the bacon and cheese already add saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- Substitute ground turkey for beef to make a lighter version
- Add diced bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables
- Make it more “burger-like” by topping with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes just before serving
- For a mac and cheese texture, increase the cheese by an additional cup
- Prep the bacon and chop vegetables ahead of time to speed up cooking on busy weeknights
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is practically a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true burger experience, serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a small basket of garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
For a fun family dinner, set out small bowls of additional burger toppings like diced avocado, sliced green onions, extra bacon bits, and burger sauce, allowing everyone to customize their pasta bowls.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.
- The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so it may thicken considerably when stored.
- For best results, cook the pasta just to al dente as it will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
While elbow macaroni is classic, rotini, shells, or penne also work well as they capture the sauce nicely in their shapes and ridges.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta and cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
[recipe_card]
