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

Scale

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