Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect comfort-food dinner that combines everything you love about a classic cheeseburger with the cozy, creamy goodness of pasta. This dish is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor thanks to seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. It’s an easy one-pan style meal that feels indulgent but is still simple enough for a busy weeknight. If you love cheeseburgers and creamy pasta recipes, this meal will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick together. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or deep pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden. Stir frequently so it cooks evenly. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the same skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Add Onion and Garlic
Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until aromatic.

Step 5: Make the Sauce Base
Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth while stirring constantly. Add ketchup and mustard to give the sauce that classic cheeseburger flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until thickened and smooth.

Step 7: Add the Cheese
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 8: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend.

Variations

• Add diced pickles for a true cheeseburger twist
• Use ground turkey instead of beef
• Add jalapeños for a spicy version
• Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or American cheese

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad
• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Top with extra cheese or bacon crumbles
• Add a drizzle of burger sauce before serving

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a rich, comforting, and satisfying meal that brings together the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy pasta dish. It’s easy to make, packed with cheesy goodness, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals.