Craving the classic, savory flavor of a bacon cheeseburger but need a quick and easy weeknight dinner? This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is your perfect solution. It combines juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender pasta in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce that tastes just like your favorite burger. Best of all, it comes together in one pot for minimal cleanup. This dish is a guaranteed family favorite, delivering all the comfort you crave with none of the fuss.
Everything comes together in one pot for an easy weeknight meal.
Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe Works
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. First, the flavor is unbeatable. We build layers of taste by browning the beef with onions and garlic, then incorporating tangy ketchup and mustard right into the sauce. It truly captures the essence of a cheeseburger.
Second, the one-pot method is a game-changer. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce means it absorbs all that delicious flavor, and you’re left with only one dish to wash. It’s the perfect, low-effort meal for any busy evening.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your family’s liking with different cheeses, toppings, or even a dash of spice. It’s a foundational recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cheesy beef pasta uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature burger flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) works best to provide flavor without too much grease.
Bacon: You’ll need thick-cut bacon for the best crispy texture and savory flavor.
Pasta: A short, sturdy pasta like rotini, shells, or elbows is ideal for catching the creamy sauce.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the essential flavor base of the dish.
Beef Broth: This is the primary liquid for cooking the pasta and creating the sauce.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of undrained diced tomatoes adds moisture and a classic tomato flavor.
Cheese: A sharp cheddar cheese provides the signature “cheeseburger” taste. I recommend shredding your own for the best melt.
Ketchup & Dijon Mustard: These condiments are crucial for mimicking that authentic burger tang.
Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are all you need to round out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this one-pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
1. Cook the Bacon and Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of drippings in the pot. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot, breaking the beef apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
2. Build the Sauce
Stir the minced garlic into the beef and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Look at that creamy, cheesy sauce! Pure comfort in every bite.
3. Cook the Pasta
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then stir in the dry pasta. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
4. Get Cheesy
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in half of the cooked bacon.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon and any of your favorite burger toppings like diced pickles or fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pasta
Want to elevate your dish? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee success.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat. Cook it just until al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
Deglaze the Pan: When you add the beef broth, use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This releases all the flavorful browned bits (the “fond”) and incorporates them into your sauce.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick. For a different flavor profile, consider making a Cajun Mac and Cheese instead.
Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a creamy Velveeta for a different flavor and texture.
Burger Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with diced pickles, chopped red onion, fresh tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce. It’s a fun way to let everyone customize their bowl, similar to how you might top classic cheeseburger sliders.
What to Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp Cucumber Ranch Salad or some steamed green beans can add a fresh, light contrast. For a classic comfort food pairing, you can’t go wrong with garlic bread or a warm dinner roll to soak up any extra sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or beef broth to the pasta in a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Yes, you can prepare it 1-2 days in advance. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, shells, penne, or elbows work best. Their ridges and curves are perfect for catching and holding onto the rich, cheesy sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, or in the microwave.
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative. Since turkey is leaner, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning it to prevent sticking.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort that brings the family together. It’s easy, delicious, and destined to be a new favorite in your dinner rotation. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
All the flavor of a bacon cheeseburger in one easy pasta dish!
FL Recipes
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender pasta in a rich, cheesy one-pot sauce. It’s an easy, family-friendly weeknight dinner that delivers all the classic burger flavor you love.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp of drippings. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and stir in the dry pasta. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in half of the cooked bacon. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bacon.
Nutrition
Calories: 650kcalProtein: 38gFat: 35gFiber: 4g
Notes
For the creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword bacon cheeseburger pasta,cheeseburger pasta,one pot pasta
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
