Description

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet combines all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a hearty, family-friendly one-pan pasta dish. Savory ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and tender pasta come together in a creamy, tangy sauce—making this an ultra-satisfying weeknight meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

8 oz (about 2 cups) uncooked rotini or penne pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & Flavorings

1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese & Toppings

2 cups (about 8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup chopped pickles (optional, for serving)
2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Crisp the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet.
Brown the Beef & Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and mostly cooked through. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
Top & Serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil and let sit for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts. Top with crispy bacon, pickles, and green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
If you prefer, swap out cheddar for a cheese blend like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
Adjust the ketchup and mustard quantities to suit your taste for classic cheeseburger flavor.
Add a dash of hot sauce for spice.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous portion
Calories: 620
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1000mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 105mg