Enjoy a fast, flavorful skillet meal starring ground beef, smoky bacon, tender pasta, and rich cheddar. It begins with beef browned to perfection, then a creamy sauce formed right in the pan from milk, flour, and a splash of ketchup with Worcestershire. Bacon and cheese blend in for extra savory goodness, while the pasta soaks up every drop of creamy, cheesy sauce. Serve it hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese or crispy bacon on top for a comforting dish the whole table will love. Quick to prepare and satisfying for all ages, this is weeknight comfort at its finest.
This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta is comfort food at its best perfect for busy weeknights when you want cheeseburger flavor in a hearty skillet meal. It brings gooey cheese savory beef and smoky bacon together in a family favorite everyone always wants seconds of at my house.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses easy ingredients you probably already have
- Comes together quickly in one pan
- Creamy cheesy sauce that hugs every bite
- Ultimate kid and adult approved comfort food
I first made this when my kids tired of spaghetti craved cheeseburgers and we were running low on buns. Now they beg for it even over takeout.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings classic cheeseburger flavor. Look for 80 percent lean for best taste and juiciness
- Cooked pasta: rotini grabs the sauce but penne works well too choose high quality for best texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: the star of the dish use sharp cheddar if possible for rich flavor
- Cooked bacon: for smoky richness thick cut bacon holds up best
- Milk: builds a creamy base opt for whole milk for extra lusciousness
- Flour: thickens the sauce all purpose is perfect sift before using for super smooth results
- Ketchup: adds classic burger tang use a squeeze of real tomato ketchup here
- Worcestershire sauce: amps up savory depth a little goes a long way
- Salt and pepper: to taste use freshly ground black pepper for the best pop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up finely with a spoon as it cooks for even browning. Make sure the beef loses its pink color completely and gets a nice golden edge which adds flavor. Drain off all but a tablespoon of fat for a richer sauce.
- Build the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the browned beef and stir it in very well. The flour needs to coat the meat to help thicken your sauce. Let it cook for a full minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Whisk in the Milk:
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking or stirring constantly. Keep stirring over medium low heat until the sauce is silky and beginning to bubble. This step creates the creamy dreamy sauce base.
- Flavor the Sauce:
- Add ketchup Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer two to three minutes. The sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor at this stage.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese right into the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and every piece of pasta is blanketed in sauce. Make sure nothing sticks to the pan and the cheese creates a glossy sauce.
- Serve Hot:
- Spoon the pasta into bowls and if you want sprinkle a little extra cheese or a spoonful of crunchy bacon on top for that wow factor.