Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a fun twist on two favorites—pasta and cheeseburgers! This dish is packed with crispy bacon bits, melty cheese, and all the juicy flavors you love in a classic burger, all mixed with tender pasta for a comforting meal.
I always find that adding a little extra cheese on top before serving takes this dish to another level. The way the cheese melts perfectly over the warm pasta and bacon is just irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that makes everyone around the table smile, and it comes together fairly quickly too, which I really appreciate on busy nights.
My favorite way to enjoy this is with a simple green salad on the side to balance the rich flavors. It’s a perfect dinner for casual family nights or when I want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good the next day, so I don’t mind making a big batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend ziti or elbow macaroni because their shapes hold the sauce well. If you don’t have these, penne or rotini are good substitutes. Just be sure to cook pasta until al dente to avoid mushy texture.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon or even smoked tempeh can work. Cook until crispy to get the best texture in the final dish.
Ground Beef: This is the main protein. For leaner options, ground turkey or chicken work well too, though they may have a milder flavor. Season well to keep the taste rich.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives a classic cheeseburger flavor. You can try Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier taste. Add an extra handful for that melty top layer.
Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce bring the cheeseburger character to the pasta. If you prefer tangier flavors, swap yellow mustard for Dijon or spicy brown mustard.
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted and Golden on Top?
Melting cheese evenly and getting a golden top can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- After mixing the pasta and cheese sauce, transfer it to an oven-safe dish.
- Sprinkle a good layer of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a nice crust.
- Place the dish under the broiler on high, but watch it closely—3 to 5 minutes is usually enough.
- When the cheese bubbles and just starts to brown, remove it immediately to prevent burning.
- This quick broil gives you that irresistible melted cheese layer with a slight crispness.
If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, but it won’t crisp as much.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use it to cook the pasta easily in one go. It’s big enough so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- Skillet or frying pan – ideal for cooking the bacon, beef, and sautéing onions and garlic. A sturdy pan helps with even cooking.
- Colander – for draining the cooked pasta without losing any noodles. A must-have for quick draining.
- Oven-safe dish or baking dish – for transferring the pasta and melting the cheese on top under the broiler or in the oven.
- Broiler or oven – to get that bubbly, golden cheese topping. Just a standard oven broiler or hot oven works perfectly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for cooked sausage or turkey to change the flavor profile. It’s a nice way to add variety based on preference or diet.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or diced pickles to give extra texture and tang that complement the cheeseburger theme.
- Mix in some diced tomatoes or chopped pickles before baking for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving for a little heat.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (ziti or elbow macaroni)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (additional for topping)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, for creamier texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 25-30 minutes total. Cooking the pasta and browning the beef takes around 15-20 minutes, plus about 5 minutes to bake under the broiler for that bubbly, golden cheese finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Bacon and Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it and crumble into small pieces, but keep 1 to 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Flavors:
Mix ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the beef mixture. Stir everything together and cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture is heated through.
5. Combine Pasta, Bacon, and Cheese:
Lower the heat, then add the drained pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and milk or cream if you want extra creaminess. Cook gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta well.
6. Bake and Serve:
Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place under a preheated broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Remove from oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve warm.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the skillet.
Can I Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the broiling step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, broil the cheese topping until bubbly and golden before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the pasta seems dry.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have a Broiler?
No worries! You can bake the pasta at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese on top. It won’t get quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
