Bacon Cheeseburger Ground Beef Pasta: A Comforting, Cheesy Meal

Looking for a meal that’s rich in flavor, satisfying, and combines all the best elements of a cheeseburger with pasta? This Bacon Cheeseburger Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish. With crispy bacon, savory ground beef, a creamy burger sauce, and tender pasta shells, this dish brings all your favorite cheeseburger flavors into a delicious pasta bake. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for family dinner or meal prepping.

What really makes this dish shine is the combination of beef and bacon in a cheesy burger sauce that smothers the pasta. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan, with just a quick broil at the end to melt the cheese perfectly. If you’re a fan of burgers and pasta, this recipe will quickly become a new favorite.

Common Questions About This Recipe:

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! You can swap the pasta shells for any type of pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or macaroni would work just as well.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The flavors will still come together beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the broiling step and store it in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready, just broil the cheese for a few minutes before serving.

Can I make this dish spicier?
For sure! You can add more diced pickled jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the burger sauce to kick up the heat.

What You Need to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Ground Beef Pasta:

Ingredients:

• 3 slices center-cut bacon, diced
• 1 sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 lb ground beef (96/4)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz pasta shells or Macaroni or Tagliatelle
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Burger Sauce:

• 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
• 3 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp light mayo
• 2 tbsp diced pickled jalapeño or relish

For the Cheese:

• 6 oz shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese, divided

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Ground Beef Pasta:

1. Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, mustard, mayo, and diced pickled jalapeños (or relish). Set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a cold pan over medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy and browned. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then add the diced onion to the rendered bacon fat in the pan. Stir and cook until the onions begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Cook the Beef: Push the onions to one side of the pan and add the ground beef to the other side. Brown the beef on one side, then break it apart with a spoon. Add the salt and pepper, mix with the onions, and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked.
4. Add the Broth and Pasta: Once the beef is cooked, add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, then add the pasta shells Macaroni or Tagliatelle. Cook for about 6 minutes, just until the pasta is shy of al dente.
5. Add the Burger Sauce and Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the burger sauce and 4 oz of shredded cheese. Mix everything together and top with the cooked bacon and the remaining 2 oz of cheese.
6. Broil the Dish: Turn your oven’s broiler on and broil the pasta for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, cheesy, bacon-packed goodness!

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Ground Beef Pasta:

• Use lean ground beef to keep the dish a bit lighter, or swap for ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
• Don’t skip the broiling step! It adds that perfect golden cheese layer on top and makes the dish even more comforting.
• Customize with extra toppings like sliced tomatoes, pickles, or a drizzle of extra mustard on top for an extra burger-inspired touch.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Ground Beef Pasta is packed with flavor, and it’s sure to please everyone. It’s the perfect dinner when you want something hearty, cheesy, and a little bit indulgent!

Print