Oh my goodness, if you’re anything like me, you absolutely adore creamy pasta dishes that just wrap you in a warm hug! That’s exactly what my Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta does. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining the delightful flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the heartiness of pasta. Picture this: tender penne coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, loaded with crispy bacon and savory ground beef. It’s not only easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it also makes for a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients List

8 ounces of penne pasta
1 pound ground beef
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

How to Prepare Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on the clock—usually around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain and set it aside.
Now, grab a large skillet and throw in those chopped bacon pieces over medium heat. Cook them until they’re nice and crispy—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick. Once crispy, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel while you move on to the beef.
In the same skillet, use the leftover bacon fat to brown your ground beef. This adds so much flavor! Cook it until it’s no longer pink, which takes about 5-6 minutes. After that, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Time to spice things up! Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together so the beef is well-seasoned.
Then, pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. You want those flavors to meld beautifully, so let it bubble for about 2-3 minutes.
Now, add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt into that creamy goodness.
Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with big smiles!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, it’s all about balance! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving based on the ingredients listed:

Calories: 650
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a deliciously indulgent meal, perfect for a special treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich, creamy flavors that are absolutely irresistible.
Loaded with bacon and beef for a hearty meal everyone will love.
Comfort food at its finest, sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Flexible recipe—feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or add-ins!

Tips for Success

To make your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, make sure to cook your bacon until it’s extra crispy—it adds a delightful crunch that you don’t want to miss. When browning the ground beef, don’t rush it; allow it to get a nice sear for maximum flavor. Also, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking, as everyone’s palate is different. If you want an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash more of heavy cream at the end. And remember, for leftovers, let them cool before storing to keep that deliciousness intact!

Variations of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

The beauty of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is how easily you can make it your own! For a cheesy twist, try swapping out the cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a little extra kick. Want to sneak in some veggies? Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms can add great flavor and color! If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or even a dash of hot sauce for a zesty kick. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with your favorite ingredients!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled down before sealing it up to maintain its creamy texture! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, but I find the stovetop method keeps it creamy and delicious!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for this dish, you can easily swap it for any short pasta like rigatoni or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and sour cream for that creamy texture. Just keep in mind that it might not be as rich, but still delicious!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, combine and heat until warmed through.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Good news! As long as you use gluten-free pasta, your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta can be a gluten-free delight!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you reheat, it might need a little extra liquid to get that creamy consistency back.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: 7 Irresistible Secrets

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish loaded with bacon and hamburger.

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well.
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt.
Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust seasoning as needed.
Use your favorite type of cheese for variation.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, pasta, bacon, cheeseburger, creamy pasta

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