Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta! Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with the rich flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger. This dish has been a go-to for me after long days when I need something hearty and satisfying. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy dinner with friends; the smiles and happy bellies were all the confirmation I needed that I’d hit the jackpot! Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water well for extra flavor! Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse it—keeping some of that starch helps the sauce stick.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks; you want it nicely browned and crumbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, toss in the cooked and chopped bacon. Stir well to combine those flavors—yum!
- Now, it’s time for the creamy goodness! Mix in the cream cheese and beef broth until everything is smooth and luscious. You might want to lower the heat a bit to help it melt evenly.
- Next, stir in the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste it—if you like it spicier, feel free to add more mustard or even a dash of hot sauce!
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing everything until the pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and comforting, combining all your favorite cheeseburger flavors.
- Creamy texture with a delicious cheesy topping that melts in your mouth.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
- One-pot meal means fewer dishes to wash—win-win!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip salting the pasta water—it really enhances the flavor. If you want a richer taste, try using a blend of ground beef and ground pork or turkey for extra depth. When mixing in the cream cheese, make sure it’s at room temperature for easier blending—nobody likes lumpy sauce! If you want a little kick, adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish. And remember, always taste as you go; adjusting spices to your preference is key to making this dish your own!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to switch up your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta! For a cheesy twist, try using pepper jack or gouda instead of cheddar—both will add a delightful flavor kick. If you want to sneak in some veggies, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach would work beautifully. You could also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even go vegetarian by using black beans or lentils! For a smoky flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delicious Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta (which I hope you do!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened up. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warm. Enjoy that comforting goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, which is an estimate: approximately 600 calories, 35g of fat (with 15g saturated fat), 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. It also contains about 5g of sugar and 900mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used, so feel free to adjust to suit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute penne with any pasta you love, like rotini or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The flavors are familiar and comforting, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Can I add vegetables?
For sure! Feel free to toss in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious boost.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers are perfect! Just store them in an airtight container and enjoy them for lunch or dinner the next day.
Call to Action
I’d absolutely love to hear how your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta turns out! Please leave a comment below and share your experience or any fun variations you tried. It’s always exciting to connect with fellow food lovers, so let’s chat about all things cheesy and delicious! Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, visit Food Network (source).
Looking for more comfort food ideas? Try our Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe!
Print
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: 5 Step Comfort Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty pasta dish combining the flavors of a loaded bacon cheeseburger.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir.
- Mix in the cream cheese and beef broth until smooth.
- Stir in the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and let it melt.
Notes
- Use any pasta type you prefer.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta