This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It combines all the savory, cheesy, and satisfying flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a single, easy-to-make pasta dish. If you’re looking for a meal that will have the whole family asking for seconds, this is it. We’ve designed this recipe to be cooked in one pot, which means more flavor and less cleanup for you.
Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is a Game-Changer
You’re going to love how simple and delicious this dish is. Unlike other recipes, this one-pot method cooks the pasta right in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the rich, beefy flavor. The result is an incredibly creamy and robust meal without the hassle of using multiple pans.
Plus, it’s packed with crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety cheese sauce that tastes just like your favorite burger. It’s pure comfort food, perfect for any night of the week. It’s just as hearty as our French Onion Beef Casserole but with a classic American twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta.
- Pasta: We recommend a short pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni. These shapes are perfect for catching the creamy sauce.
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon will give you the best crispy texture.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavor of the sauce.
- Beef Broth: This is the primary cooking liquid for the pasta, infusing it with savory flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of undrained diced tomatoes adds a touch of acidity and classic cheeseburger taste.
- Tomato Paste: This deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to an ultra-creamy sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese will melt the best. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, which contain anti-caking agents.
- Seasonings: We’ll use a simple blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect one-pot meal. The entire process is straightforward and designed for an easy cooking experience.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Beef
In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir it into the beef mixture, cooking for another minute to deepen its flavor. This is a key step for a rich sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it’s completely melted and the sauce is velvety. This gradual addition prevents the cheese from clumping.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in half of the crispy bacon. Serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta hot, garnished with the remaining bacon and any of your favorite burger toppings like chopped pickles or fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Want to ensure your pasta is perfect every time? Here are a few expert tips.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest sauce, always shred your own cheese from a block. It makes a huge difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta a minute or two before the package directions suggest. It will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: If the sauce seems too thick while the pasta is cooking, you can add a small splash of beef broth to thin it out.
- Let it Rest: After you stir in the cheese, let the pasta sit for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the sauce to thicken up perfectly. Much like our Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, a short rest makes it even better.
Fun Variations to Try
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish for a little heat.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. A little bit of cream cheese can also add extra creaminess.
- Add Veggies: Sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Try Different Meats: This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. You could even use sausage for a different flavor profile, similar to our Sausage Stuffed Shells.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This pasta makes fantastic leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For a better texture, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
What to Serve with Your Pasta
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, some steamed broccoli, or garlic bread would all be excellent choices to round out your dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a classic cheeseburger flavor, you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
For the smoothest sauce, always use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents. Also, be sure to turn off the heat before slowly stirring in the cheese until it’s just melted.
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are great leaner alternatives to ground beef and work wonderfully in this recipe.
Short pasta shapes with plenty of nooks and crannies are best for catching the creamy sauce. We recommend rotini, shells, elbow macaroni, or penne.
The Easiest, Creamiest Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and satisfying Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta that is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic burger in a comforting pasta dish. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more amazing recipes, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest!
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta (The Ultimate One-Pot Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tbsp of grease. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in half of the cooked bacon. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bacon.
Notes
If the sauce gets too thick while cooking, add a splash of beef broth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
