Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet: One-Pan Weeknight Dinner That Tastes Like Takeout

Craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger but want something cozy, creamy, and family-friendly? Meet your new favorite comfort food: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. It’s everything you love about a classic burger—savory beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and tangy toppings—tossed with tender pasta and cooked in one pan. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and ready in about 30 minutes.

This is the kind of recipe that gets everyone to the table fast. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it with pantry staples and simple add-ins. If you’re building a collection of easy dinners for your meal plan, put this one at the top.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• One-skillet cleanup and simple steps
• Creamy, cheesy sauce without heavy cream
• Big, bold bacon cheeseburger flavor in every bite
• Easy to customize (think pickles, tomatoes, jalapeños)
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (about 1/2 cup)

Toppings (optional but highly recommended):

• 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds, for a “burger bun” feel
• Ketchup/mustard drizzle for serving

Step-by-step instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large deep skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (6–8 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1–2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan.
2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in diced onion; cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Add pasta and liquid: Stir in pasta, beef broth, milk, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Make it creamy: Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until melted and glossy.
5. Load it up: Stir in half the bacon. Top with remaining bacon, pickles, tomatoes, and green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Serve hot.

Tips for success

• Don’t skip the bacon drippings—they add that signature cheeseburger flavor.
• Add cheese off heat to keep the sauce silky, not grainy.
• If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a little warm milk or broth.
• Prefer a looser sauce? Reserve 1/2 cup broth and stir in at the end as needed.

Easy variations

• Double-cheese deluxe: Mix cheddar with American or Monterey Jack.
• Spicy burger: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or hot sauce.
• Mushroom Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms.
• Bacon BBQ: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons BBQ sauce and top with crispy onions.
• Lighter swap: Use lean beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta and check broth labels.

What to serve with it

Keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with dill-pickle vinaigrette or a tray of roasted veggies balances the richness. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for scooping every last cheesy bite.

Storage and reheating

• Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a little broth or milk.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I make this ahead? Yes—cook through step 4, cool, and reheat with a splash of milk. Add toppings just before serving.
• Can I skip cream cheese? You can, but it helps stabilize the sauce. Substitute with 1/2 cup sour cream off heat.
• Which pasta works best? Short shapes like rotini, penne, shells, or cavatappi hold the sauce and “burger bits” best.

Nutritional information (estimate per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
  Note: Nutrition will vary based on brands and toppings.