Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

When comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. This dish brings all the cozy flavors of your favorite burger—smoky bacon, juicy beef, melty cheese, and tangy toppings—tossed with tender pasta, all in one bubbling, outrageously satisfying skillet meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and bold enough to impress guests, making it the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients can create something absolutely crave-worthy! Each component in this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet plays a starring role—bringing big flavor, amazing texture, and irresistible color to the table.

• Ground beef: The hearty base and classic burger flavor—use 80/20 for richness!
• Bacon: Smoky and crisp, bacon infuses every bite with extra savoriness.
• Pasta (short cut, like rotini or penne): These shapes hold onto all the cheesy sauce and bits of beef.
• Onion: Caramelizes in the skillet, adding depth and sweetness reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
• Garlic: Sautéed for fragrant backbone—don’t skip it!
• Cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey finish that makes this pasta so drool-worthy.
• Beef broth: Builds a flavorful sauce and brings all the skillet magic together.
• Tomato paste: Adds tang and that ketchup-y zing you love on burgers.
• Dijon mustard: Lends signature burger-shop zip and complexity.
• Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory, umami-packed backbone of the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: For perfectly balanced seasoning.
• Pickles & scallions (for topping): Classic burger toppings that bring freshness and crunchy contrast.

How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking your bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them sizzle until perfectly crisp—this not only renders irresistible bits of bacon, but also leaves behind flavorful drippings to cook your other ingredients. Scoop the bacon out once done, but don’t even think about cleaning out the skillet just yet!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

In those magical bacon drippings, add your ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Let it brown deeply for true burger flavor, then toss in your chopped onion and let it soften. You want the onion tender and just starting to turn golden around the edges—this step builds the savory, caramelized depth we all love in cheeseburgers.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook these for about a minute, letting them become aromatic and slightly caramelized. This is where you start layering on that distinctive cheeseburger sauce flavor, so let it sizzle and become glossy.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Next, stir in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, mixing everything together until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates the rich, silky sauce that soaks into the pasta.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta right into the skillet, stirring so it’s well-coated in the beefy sauce. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed plenty of flavor—usually around 12 minutes. If it gets too thick before the pasta is done, splash in a little extra broth or water.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon

Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in a hefty handful of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and turns the whole skillet gooey and luscious. Sprinkle the crispy bacon back over the top, and let everything get nice and bubbly.

Step 7: Top and Serve

Just before serving your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet, scatter over chopped pickles and scallions for that punchy, tangy finish reminiscent of the best burgers. Grab your forks—the skillet is ready!

How to Serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

To really channel the burger experience, top your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet with extra diced pickles, fresh scallions, and even a drizzle of ketchup or a swipe of your favorite burger sauce. A little sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar right at the end doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Serve this rich and hearty skillet with a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted veggies for balance. Oven fries or sweet potato wedges also make a fun, diner-style side if you really want to keep the cheeseburger mood going!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try spooning individual portions into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Or keep things low key and let everyone dig straight from the skillet, family-style. If you’re feeling playful, top with a sunny-side-up egg or extra crispy onion strings for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it a next-day lunch you’ll actually look forward to eating!

Freezing

You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. The key is to let it cool completely before freezing, and consider adding a splash of broth when reheating to restore some of that creamy, saucy goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if needed. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Top with fresh garnishes after reheating for best results!

FAQs

Can I use a different meat in my Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully if you’d like to lighten things up, or try a plant-based ground “meat” for a fun vegetarian spin that still packs all the familiar cheeseburger flavor.

What kind of pasta is best for this dish?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or even shells are perfect because they hold onto the hearty sauce and bits of bacon and beef. Avoid long noodles, as they won’t deliver the same scoopable comfort.

Can I make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and be sure your Worcestershire sauce is labeled gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar melts wonderfully and delivers that tangy, nostalgic burger payoff, but you can experiment with pepper jack for a little kick, or a smoky gouda if you want to change up the flavor profile.

How do I make this dish a bit healthier?

Try using leaner ground beef or turkey, cut back on the amount of cheese, and load up with extra onions or even fresh spinach for added fiber and nutrients. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a wholesome twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s playful, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser, the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is calling your name. It’s one of those recipes that turns an ordinary night into something special, and I promise you’ll want to put it on repeat—so grab your skillet and give it a try!

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