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This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta is comfort food at its best perfect for busy weeknights when you want cheeseburger flavor in a hearty skillet meal. It brings gooey cheese savory beef and smoky bacon together in a family favorite everyone always wants seconds of at my house.
I first made this when my kids tired of spaghetti craved cheeseburgers and we were running low on buns. Now they beg for it even over takeout.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings classic cheeseburger flavor. Look for 80 percent lean for best taste and juiciness
- Cooked pasta: rotini grabs the sauce but penne works well too choose high quality for best texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: the star of the dish use sharp cheddar if possible for rich flavor
- Cooked bacon: for smoky richness thick cut bacon holds up best
- Milk: builds a creamy base opt for whole milk for extra lusciousness
- Flour: thickens the sauce all purpose is perfect sift before using for super smooth results
- Ketchup: adds classic burger tang use a squeeze of real tomato ketchup here
- Worcestershire sauce: amps up savory depth a little goes a long way
- Salt and pepper: to taste use freshly ground black pepper for the best pop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up finely with a spoon as it cooks for even browning. Make sure the beef loses its pink color completely and gets a nice golden edge which adds flavor. Drain off all but a tablespoon of fat for a richer sauce.
- Build the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the browned beef and stir it in very well. The flour needs to coat the meat to help thicken your sauce. Let it cook for a full minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Whisk in the Milk:
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking or stirring constantly. Keep stirring over medium low heat until the sauce is silky and beginning to bubble. This step creates the creamy dreamy sauce base.
- Flavor the Sauce:
- Add ketchup Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer two to three minutes. The sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor at this stage.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese right into the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and every piece of pasta is blanketed in sauce. Make sure nothing sticks to the pan and the cheese creates a glossy sauce.
- Serve Hot:
- Spoon the pasta into bowls and if you want sprinkle a little extra cheese or a spoonful of crunchy bacon on top for that wow factor.
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My personal favorite moment with this recipe is watching my family’s faces light up when the skillet hits the table everyone fights over the last few pasta bites especially my youngest who always sneaks extra bacon.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of milk and stir often to bring back the original creaminess without drying out. This pasta is not great for freezing since the sauce can separate but it holds up well for next day lunches.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the cheese use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a mellow melt or toss in some pepper jack for a little kick. Try ground turkey or plant based grounds if you want a lighter meal. Gluten free pasta and flour work just fine in this skillet too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a big green salad or roasted broccoli for freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle diced pickles or a few tomato chunks on top for real cheeseburger vibes. Garlic bread works perfectly to mop up the cheesy sauce.
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Cultural Note
Burger inspired pastas have been popping up in home kitchens for decades taking the love of cheeseburgers indoors and stretching simple ingredients to feed a crowd. This skillet is my favorite mashup of classic cravings and nostalgic family dinners.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Rotini and penne are great choices since their shapes hold onto the rich sauce, but shells or fusilli also work well.
- → Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Absolutely. Pre-cooked bacon brings convenience and smoky flavor; just crumble and stir in with the cheese.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Use whole milk and a bit more cheddar for a richer texture. A tablespoon of cream cheese can add body, too.
- → Is this dish good for leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container and reheat gently. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- → Are there vegetable add-ins that go well?
Diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, or fresh spinach can complement the flavors and add extra nutrition.