Why Make This Recipe

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a fun and delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. This dish is hearty and packed with flavors that everyone will love. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender pasta makes it a satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.

How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking oil (for greasing)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, crumble them into small pieces and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the heavy cream, beef broth, ketchup, and mustard to the skillet. Stir well, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated with the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Let them melt, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the crumbled bacon and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta onto plates and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta hot on a plate. You can garnish with extra crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added flavor. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

You can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version.
For added flavor, try using sharp cheddar cheese.
If you like a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños to the ground beef while cooking.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some diced tomatoes. This will add more texture and flavor to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Penne and rotini are great choices because they hold the sauce well.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve and reheat.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can skip the meat and bacon, and use mushrooms and veggies as substitutes for a vegetarian version. Be sure to use vegetable broth and cream.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta