Description

Dive into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with hearty pasta. This Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing family and friends with minimal effort!

Ingredients

Scale

Elbow macaroni or shells (or any pasta on hand)
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
4 slices crispy bacon (or turkey bacon, or omit for vegetarian)
1 cup cheddar cheese (plus mozzarella or pepper jack optional)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara/homemade sauce)
Sliced dill pickles (optional)

Instructions

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble it into pieces.
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Push the onions to the side and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the beef and sauce mixture. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it looks too dry.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. You can also sprinkle cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Top the pasta with crumbled bacon, sliced pickles, and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 600
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: For added spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Sneak in veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a creamier texture, mix in sour cream or cream cheese before serving.