When you want dinner to be bold, flavorful, and fast, there’s nothing quite like this creamy and cheesy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. Imagine all your favorite classic cheeseburger flavors—savory beef, gooey melted cheddar, crisp bacon, and tangy pickles—wrapped up in a cozy, satisfying pasta dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, fun family dinners, or anyone craving serious comfort food without a trip to the drive-thru. Did you know skillet recipes originated as a way to simplify cooking and cleanup? Whether you’re new to one-pan wonders or an old pro, this dish guarantees happy faces around the dinner table. If you loved my One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, you’ll adore this fast, flavor-packed skillet too. Let’s get cooking—your taste buds (and hungry family) will thank you!
What is Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet?
Let’s be honest—cheeseburgers and pasta are two of life’s greatest joys, so why not combine them? Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is exactly what it sounds like: all the juicy, melty, crispy indulgence of a bacon cheeseburger, tossed with tender pasta and cooked up in one easy skillet. Where else can you find onions, pickles, and cheddar side by side with hearty noodles? Some say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—if that’s true, this skillet’s got a direct route! Grab your fork and treat yourself to a dish that’s both playful and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This
There’s so much to love about Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet! First, the sheer flavor bomb of this dish is irresistible: savory beef, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and crunchy pickles come together for a meal that tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger, only better. Second, it’s budget-friendly and much cheaper than ordering burgers for the whole family—even if you double the bacon! Third, you control the toppings, so each bowl is loaded just the way you like it, making every bite a new adventure. If you’ve tried my Cheeseburger Casserole, you’ll love this skillet’s extra bacon boost and faster prep time. Ready to save a little money, try new flavors, and avoid fast-food lines? Grab your skillet and give this recipe a whirl at home!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the answer to fast, easy, and extra delicious weeknight dinners. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is packed into a single skillet, with every bite delivering that classic burger flavor. The best part? It comes together in around 30 minutes, so you have more time to relax and enjoy the meal—and less time cleaning up!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work best)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced pickles
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the pan.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add your ground beef, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the sour cream, making sure everything is well mixed. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet until the cheese melts (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the crispy bacon and diced pickles, mixing everything together just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve hot for maximum cheeseburger joy!
What to Serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet With
This hearty skillet dish is fabulous on its own, but you can easily round out your meal with a crisp garden salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans for crunch and freshness. Classic French fries or oven-baked potato wedges are always a hit, and a playful side like sweet corn on the cob adds a hint of summer. For drinks, try a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness of the pasta. Love a gourmet touch? Top each bowl with extra pickles or a spoonful of homemade burger sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use freshly-shredded cheddar for the creamiest melt, but swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a fun twist.
- Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or ketchup with the broth for extra burger flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey for beef if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Make sure the skillet is big enough—crowding the pan leads to uneven cooking.
- Don’t skip wilting any excess grease after browning your meat; it keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
- Want extra veggies? Add diced bell peppers or even a handful of spinach to boost nutrition.
- Don’t overcook the pasta before adding it to the skillet—it will continue to absorb flavor and soften as it simmers.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, scoop the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 45-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot and creamy again. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of broth or milk before reheating. For stovetop reheating, place in a skillet with a little extra liquid and heat over medium-low, stirring gently until warmed through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat using your favorite method.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook all the components ahead and store them separately. When ready to eat, assemble in a skillet and heat through, adding cheese and pickles fresh.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground substitute or lentils, and use vegetarian bacon. Vegetable broth works in place of beef broth, too.
What other cheese can I use?
Try mozzarella for extra stretchiness, sharp white cheddar for tang, or even smoked gouda for a unique flavor twist.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or finely chopped kale can be sautéed along with the onions to boost nutrition and variety.
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the delicious, one-pot comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed—but will cook on repeat once you do! Full of juicy beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and all the classic toppings, this dish packs family-friendly flavor into every bite and makes dinnertime a breeze. With easy prep, simple ingredients, and endless ways to customize, you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how happy it makes your crowd. Give it a try, and don’t forget to check out more of my reader-favorite, hearty skillet recipes to keep mealtime exciting and stress-free!
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Equipment
-
Large Skillet
-
Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 cups Cooked Pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Cooked Bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup Diced Onion
- 1/2 cup Diced Pickles
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the pan.
-
Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
-
Add your ground beef, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
-
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
-
Pour in the beef broth and stir in the sour cream, making sure everything is well mixed. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet until the cheese melts (about 2-3 minutes).
-
Stir in the crispy bacon and diced pickles, mixing everything together just before serving.
-
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve hot for maximum cheeseburger joy!
Notes
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 cups Cooked Pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Cooked Bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup Diced Onion
- 1/2 cup Diced Pickles
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the pan.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add your ground beef, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the sour cream, making sure everything is well mixed. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet until the cheese melts (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the crispy bacon and diced pickles, mixing everything together just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve hot for maximum cheeseburger joy!