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!
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
Instructions
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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.
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Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, season ground beef with steak seasoning and cook until browned. Drain grease and set aside.
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Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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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.
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Add the Cheese: Reduce heat and slowly add shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
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Combine: Add the ground beef and half the bacon to the sauce, then gently fold in the pasta.
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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