There are nights when all I want is a cozy, indulgent dish that hits every comfort food note.
That’s exactly what this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta does—rich, cheesy, smoky, and full of familiar flavors that bring back burger night vibes in the coziest way possible.
And best of all? It’s a quick weeknight winner that comes together in minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
Combines the best of burgers and pasta in one dish.
Super satisfying with layers of beef, bacon, cheese, and sauce.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Uses pantry staples and minimal prep.
Easily customizable with fun toppings.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – The savory base of the dish.
Crispy bacon – Adds a smoky crunch and that “cheeseburger” flavor.
Penne pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully.
Alfredo sauce – Creamy and indulgent.
Cheddar cheese – For gooey, melty deliciousness.
Pickles & onions (optional) – Bring the burger flair!
Pro Tips Before You Start
Drain the beef well to avoid excess grease.
Cook the pasta just al dente—it’ll absorb some sauce.
Use a good-quality Alfredo sauce for richer flavor.
Want more zing? Add a squirt of mustard or a dash of hot sauce.
Chopped dill pickles take this over the top—try them!
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Step 1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
Step 2. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
In a large pot, mix the cooked penne pasta with Alfredo sauce, the cooked ground beef, and shredded cheddar.
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3. Add Bacon and Toppings
Fold in the crumbled bacon.
If using, stir in chopped pickles and diced onions for a fun cheeseburger twist.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into bowls and serve hot.
Garnish with extra cheese or even a drizzle of ketchup if you like!
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or Texas toast
A crisp lettuce salad with ranch dressing
Roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans
Dill pickle spears on the side
A cold soda or iced tea to wash it down
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Swap penne with macaroni or rotini.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for tang.
Top with crispy fried onions for crunch.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen.
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Let it cool before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
FAQs
Can I bake this pasta instead of serving right away?
Yes! Pour everything into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
What kind of Alfredo sauce works best?
A thick, creamy jarred or homemade Alfredo with real cheese flavor works beautifully.
Is this spicy?
Nope—it’s mild. But you can spice it up with chili flakes or jalapeños!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or bake before serving.
What cheese can I use besides cheddar?
Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend for extra melt.
Do the pickles taste weird in pasta?
Surprisingly, they add a bright, tangy contrast—just like in a cheeseburger!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! It scales well for family dinners or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
If you love a good bacon cheeseburger, this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is going to be your new favorite comfort food.
It’s quick, indulgent, and perfect for nights when you want something warm, cheesy, and a little nostalgic.
Don’t be surprised if your family asks for seconds (or thirds)!
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups penne pasta cooked
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup pickles chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup onions diced (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
- Drain any excess fat.
- In a large pot, combine the cooked penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, ground beef, and shredded cheddar.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon and optional pickles and onions if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/bacon-cheeseburger-pasta/
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape you have—macaroni, rotini, or shells work great.
- Want a kick? Add a dash of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese.
- Make it extra indulgent by baking it with a cheddar topping until bubbly.
