Cheeseburger Pasta – A Cheesy, Bacon-Packed Family Favorite

Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines everything you love about a classic cheeseburger with the coziness of pasta. Picture this: crispy bacon, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce all mixed with tender rotini pasta. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this hearty one-skillet dinner that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for game night, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes with simple steps.

• One-Skillet Wonder: Less mess and easy cleanup.

• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.

• Flavor-Packed: Bacon, beef, cheddar, and a creamy, tangy sauce.

• Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients or add extra toppings for your own twist.

Ingredients

• 6 strips of bacon

• ¾ lb. ground beef

• 1 ½ teaspoons steak seasoning

• 3 tablespoons butter (or reserved bacon drippings)

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ cup chicken or beef broth

• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard

• 2 teaspoons ketchup

• 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Frank’s)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated)

• ½ lb. rotini pasta

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta

1. Cook the Bacon: Cut bacon into thirds and fry in a large skillet over low heat until crispy. Remove and let cool, reserving the drippings. Chop the cooled bacon.

2. Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, season ground beef with steak seasoning and cook until browned. Drain grease and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings or butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually add the heavy cream, followed by the milk and broth, whisking continuously until smooth.

5. Add the Cheese: Reduce heat and slowly add shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and creamy.

6. Combine: Add the ground beef and half the bacon to the sauce, then gently fold in the pasta.

7. Serve: Top with the remaining bacon and serve hot.

Helpful Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheddar for a creamier, smoother sauce.

• Don’t skip the hot sauce—it enhances flavor without adding heat.

• Try Cracker Barrel sharp cheddar for extra cheesiness.

• Make it extra hearty by adding sautéed onions or diced tomatoes.

Substitutions and Variations

• Protein Alternative: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Pasta Options: Macaroni, shells, or bowtie pasta work well.

• Extra Toppings: Diced pickles, fresh tomatoes, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.

• Add More Veggies: Enhance the dish with extra nutrition by mixing in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (6 servings):

• Calories: 587

• Protein: 26g

• Carbs: 43g

• Fat: 32g

• Fiber: 2g

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for balance.

• Serve with garlic bread to soak up every drop of cheesy goodness.

• Top with extra shredded cheese or chopped pickles for a true cheeseburger feel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Pasta

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the bacon, beef, and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine with pasta when reheating.

2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese because it melts better and gives a creamier texture.

3. How do I make it spicier?
Increase the hot sauce or add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

4. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Rotini is great because it holds the sauce well, but macaroni or bowtie pasta works too.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.

Conclusion

Thank you for trying my Cheeseburger Pasta recipe! This dish has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and absolutely satisfying. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Whether you enjoy it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, I know you’ll love every cheesy, bacon-packed bite. Happy cooking—and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!

Cheeseburger Pasta – A Cheesy, Bacon-Packed Family Favorite

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cheeseburger Pasta is a cheesy, bacon-packed one-skillet dinner loaded with ground beef, cheddar, and tender pasta. A quick and easy family-friendly recipe ready in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

6 strips of bacon

¾ lb. ground beef

1 ½ teaspoons steak seasoning

3 tablespoons butter (or reserved bacon drippings)

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

¼ cup chicken or beef broth

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

2 teaspoons ketchup

2 teaspoons dill pickle juice

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Frank’s)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated)

½ lb. rotini pasta

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Instructions

• Cook the Bacon: Cut bacon into thirds and fry in a large skillet over low heat until crispy. Remove and let cool, reserving the drippings. Chop the cooled bacon.

• Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, season ground beef with steak seasoning and cook until browned. Drain grease and set aside.

• Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings or butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually add the heavy cream, followed by the milk and broth, whisking continuously until smooth.

• Add the Cheese: Reduce heat and slowly add shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and creamy.

• Combine: Add the ground beef and half the bacon to the sauce, then gently fold in the pasta.

• Serve: Top with the remaining bacon and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add diced tomatoes, onions, or extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor.

A splash of milk when reheating helps maintain creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
• Calories: 587
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Protein: 26g