This bacon cheeseburger pasta is comforting, flavorful and about to go into your weekly rotation. It tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger and the kids will love it!
Another kid-approved skillet? My ground beef taco pasta disappears just as fast.
This bacon cheeseburger pasta isn't just dinner - it's a weeknight game-changer. It has everything you love about a classic cheeseburger but in cozy pasta form.
It's smoky, cheesy, a little tangy from the pickles, and just the kind of thing you'll want to dive into after a long day.
The bacon cheeseburger pasta skillet is also great for feeding picky eaters - because who has ever said no to something that has the word "cheeseburger" in it?
Plus, you can easily customize it with toppings like diced pickles, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of ketchup or mustard for that authentic cheeseburger taste.
And if you love cozy casseroles that are super easy to make, try my Pasta Pizzaiola Bake next!
Why you'll love this bacon cheeseburger pasta
- It's easy to pull together, even when you've had one of those days.
- All the best cheeseburger vibes in a big, cozy bowl of pasta!
- It's one of those meals that'll have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds).
What you'll need
Bacon - Any bacon will do, but if you want extra smoky and crispy bites throughout the dish, opt for a thick cut.
Onion + garlic - Chop them nice and small so they blend into the sauce. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can sub with a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Ground beef - I typically make this bacon cheeseburger pasta casserole with lean ground beef because there's already some fat from the bacon but if you want it a little richer, go for something with more fat.
Worcestershire sauce - This is the secret ingredient that makes it taste like a real burger.
Ketchup - For the perfect tangy-sweet balance; use your favorite brand.
Pickled jalapeños - For a fun little kick, but you can skip them if you don't want your pasta dish to be spicy.
Beef broth - I always go for low-sodium so the dish doesn't get too salty with all the other ingredients.
Pasta - Cavatappi or elbows are my go-to for pasta bakes like this because they hold onto the sauce so well.
Cheese - I use a mix of sharp cheddar for that classic cheeseburger taste and mozarella to make the sauce extra creamy.
Gherkins - Chop them small for a tangy, crunchy topping that makes the perfect finish.
Pro tip
Reserve a little pasta water before draining-it's perfect for thinning out the sauce if it gets too thick.
How to make bacon cheeseburger pasta bake
This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. The full recipe with detailed steps is in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the pasta until it's perfectly al dente. Once it's done, drain it and set it aside for later.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon in a little olive oil until it's nice and crispy. Add the onion and garlic, and let them cook for a few minutes.
Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
Once it's browned, mix in the Worcestershire, ketchup, pickled jalapeños, and broth, and let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes.
Mix in the pasta and half the cheddar and all the mozzarella cheese, transfer it to a baking dish (if needed), top with the rest of the cheese, bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, sprinkle on the gherkins, and dig in!
Substitutions and variations
- Get playful with the toppings - Add crispy fried onions, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream-whatever makes it feel like your ultimate comfort food.
- If you like things spicy, fresh jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce will do the trick.
- Ground turkey or chicken is an awesome option if you want to keep things a little lighter.
Recipe tips and notes for the best cheeseburger pasta
- Crisp up the bacon; the crispier, the better-it adds such a great texture and smoky flavor to the whole dish.
- If the ground beef leaves a lot of grease behind, I like to drain most of it so the pasta isn't overly oily (but leave a little for flavor!).
- I like to cook the pasta just until it's al dente because it'll bake more in the oven. This way, it stays perfectly tender and doesn't get mushy.
Leftovers and storage
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Warm it up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water if the sauce feels a little thick.
- Freeze it in a sturdy container for up to 2 months; just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
More cozy pasta casserole recipes
If you've tried this bacon cheeseburger pasta recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry pasta cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 strips bacon cut into pieces
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños diced
- 1 ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup gherkins finely chopped, for garnishing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.8 oz dry pasta
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy.1 tablespoon olive oil6 strips bacon
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.1 medium onion4 garlic cloves
- Next, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked.1 pound lean ground beef
- Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and pickled jalapeños and continue to cook for another minute.1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce2 tablespoons ketchup¼ cup pickled jalapeños
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.1 ½ cup beef broth
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Sprinkle in half of the cheddar and all the mozzarella cheese, stirring until everything is melted and creamy.1 cup cheddar cheese½ cup mozzarella cheese
- If you're not using an oven-proof pan, transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar then bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until it's bubbly and golden.
- Take it out of the oven and sprinkle the gherkins over the top, then serve hot.¼ cup gherkins
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