Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet – One-Pan. Extra Cheesy. Totally Crave-Worthy.
Get ready to experience all the juicy, smoky, creamy cheeseburger vibes, now wrapped up in a hearty, extra-cheesy bowl of pasta! This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines the best of both worlds: a classic cheeseburger and a comforting pasta dish. It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and destined to become a new family favorite for busy weeknights or whenever those serious comfort food cravings hit.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Skillet
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: All the familiar, delicious flavors of a bacon cheeseburger combined with pasta.
- Extra Cheesy: Loaded with melty cheese for maximum gooey goodness.
- Craving-Worthy: A truly satisfying and addictive dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite burger toppings and cheese blends.
What You’ll Need
Gather these delicious ingredients to craft your amazing Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet:
Ingredients (Serves 4–5):
- 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work best for holding sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, if desired)
- 4-6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: Diced pickles, chopped fresh parsley or green onions, extra crispy bacon.
Instructions: Brown, Simmer, Combine, and Melt!
1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan) over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and ½ medium diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Build the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 cup beef broth, and ½ cup milk into the skillet with the beef mixture. Add the 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Combine with Pasta and Bacon:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 2 cups cooked pasta and about three-quarters of the cooked crispy bacon crumbles (reserve the rest for topping). Ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Add Cheese and Melt:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth, creating a rich, cheesy sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet into bowls. Garnish with the remaining crispy bacon crumbles and any optional toppings like diced pickles, chopped fresh parsley or green onions, or extra shredded cheddar cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly satisfying, one-pan meal!
Tips for a Truly Crave-Worthy Skillet
- Pre-Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente (slightly firm) before adding it to the skillet. It will continue to absorb sauce and soften slightly as it sits, so you don’t want it mushy.
- Drain Beef Well: This is crucial! Excess grease can make the dish oily. Take the time to drain it thoroughly.
- Crispy Bacon: Don’t skip cooking the bacon crispy. The texture contrast is key for that “bacon cheeseburger” feel.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt. Grating your own cheddar will give you a creamier, more luscious sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Tomato Type: Diced tomatoes work well for texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or even blend the diced tomatoes briefly before adding.
- Optional Toppings: The toppings truly bring the cheeseburger experience to life! Diced pickles add a fantastic tangy crunch that mimics a burger.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh and hot, when the cheese is at its gooey peak.
- Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a delicious shortcut to comfort food heaven, combining beloved flavors in a convenient one-pan format. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!