Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again
Ah, the golden days of summer, when the air is alive with the smell of BBQs and laughter. Growing up, one of my fondest memories is gathering around the picnic table with my family, sizzling burgers on the grill, and enjoying every bite full of love and togetherness. But sometimes, when the cooler months roll in, it’s nice to bring that nostalgia into the kitchen with a rich and creamy dish that warms the heart—like this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta you’ll crave again and again. It beautifully combines the comfort of pasta with the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, creating a family favorite that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness combined with savory bites of turkey bacon and ground beef.
- All-in-one meal: With pasta, protein, and cheesy deliciousness, you won’t need a side dish, simplifying your dinner prep.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for gatherings around the dinner table, this dish is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for seconds.
- Comfort food at its best: The creamy sauce and crispy bacon make for a cozy dish, ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little comfort on your plate.
What You’ll Need
To bring this delightful dish to life, gather these simple ingredients:
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni preferred for better sauce adherence)
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 6 slices turkey bacon (cooked and crispy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for creaminess and depth)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Let’s Make It Together
Now, let me walk you through how to make this cozy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your short pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the cooked ground beef. Stir until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that luscious cheese sauce.
- Chop the crispy turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the pasta, allowing its smoky flavor to blend beautifully with your dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more cheese or spices if desired. Serve hot, and prepare for everyone to dive into this delicious comfort!
Variations & Creative Twists
While this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is fabulous as is, here are a few fun ways to switch it up:
- Zesty BBQ Twist: Drizzle some barbecue sauce before serving for a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the cheeseburger essence.
- Veggie Lovers Delight: Add in some sautéed bell peppers or onions for a colorful, veggie-loaded dish bursting with flavor.
- Creamy Ranch: Stir in a packet of ranch seasoning for an indulgent ranch twist that adds a zesty kick to your dish.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra fiery punch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead suggestion: Prepare the beef and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply add cooked pasta and turkey bacon before serving.
- Ingredient swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version or substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Perfectly crisp bacon: To achieve the crispiest turkey bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden, instead of frying. It will add a delightful crunch to your pasta!
- Storage suggestions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk for creamy goodness.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and cheese mix in advance, then combine with pasta and turkey bacon when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken, and you can swap the cheese for your favorite variety.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to three days.
How long does it last?
Enjoy this dish within three days for the best flavor and texture.
Wrapping It Up
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta you’ll crave again and again is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace after a long day, bringing nostalgia and comfort right to your table. Whether you’re making it for family or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Save this recipe to your “Cozy Dinners” board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat!
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with pasta, featuring creamy cheese and crispy turkey bacon.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 6 slices turkey bacon (cooked and crispy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the short pasta. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the cooked ground beef, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Toss until pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Chop the crispy turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of milk for a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Pasta, Comfort Food, Cheeseburger, Quick Dinner, Family Recipe