Who doesn’t love a hearty, comforting dish that brings the best of two worlds together? If you’re a fan of bacon cheeseburgers and creamy pasta, then this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is your dream come true. It’s like your favorite burger took a dive into a bowl of cheesy, carby goodness and came out even better. What makes this dish extra special? We’ve given it a lighter twist by using turkey bacon—so you can indulge without the guilt.

I have to confess, this recipe has become a household favorite in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend treat, this dish hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over again.

So grab your skillet and let’s dive into this cheesy, bacon-y, pasta masterpiece. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

Before we jump into cooking, let’s talk ingredients. For this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, you’ll need a mix of simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:

Ground beef (1 lb): The foundation of our dish, providing that savory burger flavor.
Cooked pasta (2 cups): Go for penne, rotini, or whatever pasta you love—it’s your dish, after all.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Because a cheeseburger isn’t complete without melty, gooey cheese.
Turkey bacon (1/2 cup, crumbled): A lighter, smoky twist that keeps things delicious.
Milk and flour: These will form the base of a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce: The dynamic duo that brings the burger vibes.
Salt and pepper: To taste, because seasoning is everything.

Now that we’re stocked up, it’s time to get cooking!

Step 1: Cooking the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the beef aside.

Pro Tip: If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, this is a great time to toss in finely chopped onions or minced garlic. They’ll enhance the flavor and add a little something extra.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Sauce

Now comes the magic part—the creamy sauce that ties everything together. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked ground beef and stir until it’s fully coated. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth, velvety sauce.

At this point, your kitchen will start to smell amazing, but don’t stop now—there’s more flavor to add. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to bring all those flavors together. The result? A sauce that tastes like a burger and feels like comfort food in a bowl.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

With your sauce thickened and flavored to perfection, it’s time to add the star players to the skillet: the pasta, turkey bacon, and cheese.

Add the Pasta: Gently stir in the cooked pasta. The choice of pasta is up to you, but I recommend something sturdy like penne or rotini to hold up to the rich sauce. Make sure every piece gets a generous coating of that creamy, burger-flavored goodness.
Add the Turkey Bacon: Crumbled turkey bacon goes in next. Its smoky, slightly salty flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Bonus: because we’re using turkey bacon, you’re getting all the flavor with less fat.
Add the Cheese: Now for the fun part—stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. As it melts, it turns the entire skillet into a gooey, cheesy wonderland. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is mixed together, your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is ready to serve. Spoon it into bowls or onto plates, and don’t wait too long to dig in—it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh, with the cheese still gooey and the flavors at their peak.

Pro Tip: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top before serving. It adds a fun textural contrast that makes each bite even better.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time:

Customize the Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
Make It Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce. It’s a great way to give your dish a little kick.
Use Freshly Cooked Pasta: For the best texture, cook your pasta just before you start the sauce. Slightly undercook it (al dente), as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Toss in some cooked peas, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms when you add the pasta. They’ll blend seamlessly into the dish while adding color and nutrients.
Scale It Up or Down: This recipe makes about four servings, but you can easily double it for a crowd or halve it for a smaller meal. Just adjust the ingredients accordingly.

Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here are a few fun ways to put your own twist on this recipe:

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Swap out the ketchup for barbecue sauce to give the dish a smoky, tangy twist.
Double Bacon Delight: Use a mix of turkey bacon and crumbled regular bacon for even more bacon flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative and skip the bacon (or use a vegetarian version) for a meat-free meal.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Absolutely! Regular bacon works just as well and adds a classic, smoky flavor to the dish. Just cook and crumble it before adding it to the pasta. Keep in mind that regular bacon is higher in fat, so you may want to adjust the amount to your taste.

2. What’s the best type of pasta to use?

Any short pasta that holds sauce well is ideal. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are great choices. If you’re in a pinch, macaroni or shells can also work. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat or chickpea pasta.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dish as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

4. How can I make this gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as rice flour or cornstarch.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk to restore the creamy texture.

6. How do I avoid a lumpy sauce?

The key to a smooth sauce is stirring constantly as you add the milk to the flour-coated beef. Use medium heat and be patient—your efforts will be rewarded with a velvety, lump-free sauce.

7. Can I add toppings for extra flavor?

Of course! Try sprinkling chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream on top. These little extras can add a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. With its creamy sauce, smoky turkey bacon, and gooey melted cheese, this dish brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger to life in pasta form. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends.

Loaded Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Author: Christophe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This delicious Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta offers the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in pasta form, now with a lighter twist using turkey bacon. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

2️⃣ Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and stir well to coat. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.

3️⃣ Add Flavor: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4️⃣ Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta, crumbled turkey bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.

5️⃣ Serve: Serve the pasta hot and enjoy your lighter, yet just as flavorful, loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta!

Notes

Turkey bacon provides a leaner option while still delivering a smoky, savory taste.
Feel free to add extra toppings such as diced pickles, tomatoes, or a drizzle of mustard for a true cheeseburger vibe.
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a dollop of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes