Bacon cheeseburger pasta is a delicious, indulgent dish that combines all the savory goodness of a bacon cheeseburger with the comforting texture of pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for those who crave the flavors of a classic burger but want something a little more unique and filling. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
To start, ground beef is browned in a skillet, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and then mixed with finely chopped onions for added flavor. The beef is cooked until it’s fully browned, and the natural juices released from the meat help form the base of the dish. Once the beef is cooked, a bit of tomato paste is added for richness, along with a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth and a hint of tanginess that mimics the flavor profile of a cheeseburger.
Next, pasta- usually penne, rotini, or any shape that can hold onto the sauce – is boiled until tender and then added to the skillet with the beef mixture. The pasta is tossed in the rich beef sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in, creating a creamy, gooey texture that ties everything together.
The final touch is the crispy bacon, which is cooked separately until golden and crumbled over the top of the pasta. This adds an irresistible crunch and a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and beef.
Bacon cheeseburger pasta can be served as is, but it’s also great with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. This dish combines the best of both worlds – pasta and cheeseburgers – into a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta shells or any pasta of choice
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the milk, cream cheese, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and cooked bacon.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional toppings if desired.