Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. It combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the smoky crunch of bacon and the hearty bite of ground beef—what’s not to love? Whenever I make this for dinner, the whole house fills with the most mouthwatering aroma, and I can’t help but feel excited! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to whip up this creamy, cheesy delight! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of penne pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite a flavor explosion.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose a nice, lean blend for the best flavor and texture—this is the heart of your dish!
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped: Use thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch and smoky flavor that makes everything better.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it super creamy and indulgent—don’t skimp on this one!
- 1 cup beef broth: It adds depth to the sauce and enhances that rich cheeseburger taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A little sprinkle to pack in that garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This adds an aromatic touch that complements the beef perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste—this will really elevate all the flavors!
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s bound to impress! Let’s keep the excitement rolling and get cooking!
How to Prepare Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. This pasta is going to soak up all that cheesy goodness!
- Next, grab a large skillet and cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and brown it over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
- Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it mingle for a minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to let it bubble for about 3–4 minutes, so it thickens up nicely.
- Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and let it melt for a minute or two. Once it’s all gooey and delicious, you’re ready to serve!
Enjoy this comforting bowl of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta while it’s still hot, and watch everyone devour it in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and hearty beef is utterly irresistible.
- Comfort food appeal: It’s the ultimate cozy dish that satisfies your cravings and warms your soul.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will be asking for seconds!
- Easy cleanup: With just one skillet required, you’ll have less mess to deal with.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta turns out perfectly every time! Here are some of my top tips:
- Cook your pasta al dente: This means it should have a slight bite to it. It’ll soak up the sauce without getting mushy!
- Taste as you go: Don’t be shy about seasoning! Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, and adjust as needed. You want those flavors to pop!
- Melt the cheese slowly: After adding the cheddar, cover the skillet for a minute or so to trap the heat. This helps the cheese melt evenly and become super gooey!
- Don’t overcook the bacon: Let it get crispy, but watch it closely—you want that perfect crunch without burning!
- Save some pasta water: If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. It’s a game-changer!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress! Happy cooking!
Variations of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Cheese Swap: Instead of cheddar, try using Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or even blue cheese for a bold twist that adds a nice punch!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms when you cook the ground beef. They’ll add extra texture and flavor while boosting your veggie intake.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a bit of heat! It really elevates the whole dish.
- Pasta Variety: Swap out penne for rotini or fusilli—these shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully!
- Bacon Alternatives: If you’re not a bacon fan, try turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta for a different flavor profile!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect version of this delicious pasta dish. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Just store your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 days. I love using glass containers because they help retain the flavor and make it easy to reheat.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or a little heavy cream to prevent it from drying out. Stir it well as it warms up, and in just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that tastes almost as good as when it was freshly made! Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave—just cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to avoid splatters, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your second helping of this creamy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delicious Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, it’s good to know what you’re getting! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is rich in flavors and also packs a protein punch, thanks to the beef and cheese! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite while keeping these numbers in mind. Happy eating!
FAQ About Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Got questions about this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative, and it’ll still be delicious with all that creamy sauce.
What if I don’t have penne pasta? No worries! You can use any pasta shape you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce a few hours in advance and combine them just before serving for the best texture.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out? Add a splash of beef broth or cream while reheating on the stovetop. This keeps everything nice and creamy!
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Sure! Just skip the bacon and beef, and use sautéed mushrooms and your favorite veggies instead for a tasty twist!
Print
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: 7 Comforting Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish loaded with bacon and hamburger.
Ingredients
- 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
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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