Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures? This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up your whole family will love. With all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger—crisp bacon, melty cheese, seasoned ground beef—folded into creamy pasta, this easy weeknight meal is a must-try. Perfect for quick and easy dinner recipes with ground beef, this one-skillet dish is ideal for busy weeknights or big family gatherings.
Whether you’re craving a new hamburger meat recipe, trying to plan meals using hamburger meat, or hunting for a beef supper idea that even picky eaters will devour, this dish delivers. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples and cooked in one pan, making cleanup effortless.
Table of Contents
Who Is This Recipe For?
This hamburger meat pasta recipe is perfect for:
- Busy families needing fast, filling meals
- Ground beef lovers wanting something beyond tacos and meatloaf
- Fans of comfort foods and cheesy dinners
- Anyone planning big family recipes or meal prepping for the week
- Anyone seeking quick supper ideas with ingredients they already have
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta
- One-pan wonder – Less mess, fewer dishes
- Quick to make – Ready in about 30 minutes
- Loaded with flavor – Bacon, beef, cheddar, pickles
- Kid-approved – It’s basically cheeseburgers in pasta form
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully
- Customizable – Easy to tweak for dietary needs or flavor preferences
Ingredients for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this skillet masterpiece:
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or short pasta)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- Optional garnish: extra pickles, parsley, sesame seeds
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large non-stick skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
If you’re into hearty meals like this, you might also enjoy these recipes from Lyndy’s Kitchen: Crack Breakfast Casserole or this fun Crockpot Taco Dip.
How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Cook the pasta
Start by boiling the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until fully browned and seasoned. - Add the flavor
Stir in the tomato paste and chopped pickles. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. - Make it creamy
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a low simmer. - Add the pasta
Mix in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s evenly coated in the sauce. - Cheese it up
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and gooey. - Top with bacon
Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top and mix or serve as garnish. - Garnish and enjoy
Optional: Add extra pickles, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of burger sauce for that extra cheeseburger vibe.
Want a veggie-loaded version? Try pairing this with Garlicky Kale and White Beans on the side.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Don’t skip the pickles — they add tang and that classic cheeseburger zing.
- Grate your cheese fresh if possible for optimal melting.
- Use short pasta that holds sauce well, like shells or rotini.
Looking for something a little more festive? Pair this dinner with Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls for dessert.
Cheeseburger Pasta Variations
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta
- Keto-friendly: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
- Loaded veggie version: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
For a hearty breakfast option using similar ingredients, don’t miss Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Al dente is best so it holds up in the sauce.
- Forgetting to season the beef: The spice blend brings out that burger flavor.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: It contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
For another cozy dish perfect for chilly evenings, try this Slow Cooker Chicken, Potatoes & Green Beans.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Serve hot from the skillet, sprinkled with fresh parsley or green onions.
- Add sesame seeds or a pickle spear on top for a real burger vibe.
- A side of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread makes this feel like a restaurant meal.
Storage and Reheating
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warm.
This makes a great meal prep option—just portion into individual containers for easy lunches.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pasta
- Fresh salad: Try a tangy side like Cucumber Dill Salad
- Roasted veggies: A tray of Garlic-Herb Roasted Carrots and Zucchini works great
- Kid-friendly sides: Serve with Mini Pancake Cereal for a fun twist
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Shells, rotini, bowties, or penne all work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the dish, let it cool, then refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner variation.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap in a dairy-free cream and vegan cheese, though the texture may differ slightly.
Try More Family-Friendly Recipes
If you love this dish, you’ll also want to check out:
- Crack Breakfast Casserole
- Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Conclusion
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect mash-up of flavors you already know and love, transformed into a comforting, cheesy, pasta-packed skillet dinner. It’s easy, fast, satisfying, and ideal for weeknights, parties, or even as leftovers. Plus, it’s one of the most comforting hamburger meat pasta recipes you’ll ever make.
If this recipe hit the spot, don’t forget to share it with your friends, leave a comment, and subscribe to the blog for more easy, flavor-packed meal ideas!
PrintLoaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – Creamy One-Skillet Family Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a rich, creamy one-skillet dinner made with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and tender pasta. Inspired by classic cheeseburger flavors, this comforting meal is quick to make, kid-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni or short pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Seasonings & Flavor:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Sauce & Add-Ins:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
Cheese & Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until browned.
- Build flavor: Stir in tomato paste and chopped pickles. Cook 2–3 minutes.
- Make sauce: Add beef broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and mix until well coated.
- Add cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Finish: Top with chopped bacon and serve hot.
Notes
- Best pasta: Short pasta like shells or rotini hold the sauce best.
- Extra burger flavor: Add a drizzle of burger sauce or ketchup if desired.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: loaded cheeseburger pasta, bacon cheeseburger pasta, hamburger meat pasta recipe, ground beef dinner, one skillet pasta



