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This loaded beef bacon cheeseburger pasta skillet brings comfort food right to your table with rich creamy sauce smoky beef bacon and plenty of melted cheddar. It is perfect for busy nights when everyone craves something hearty and crowd friendly. I return to this meal whenever my family asks for something filling but easy to whip up in one pan.
My family laughed the first time I made this calling it burger meets mac and cheese. Now it is one of our top five go to dinners by request.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings rich flavor and protein use eighty percent lean for flavor and juiciness
- Cooked pasta: rotini holds the sauce and cheese perfectly or try penne for a sturdier bite cooked al dente for best results
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts smoothly use sharp cheddar for extra flavor
- Cooked beef bacon crumbled: adds smoky crunch cook until crispy and pat dry for best texture
- Milk: forms the creamy sauce whole milk is richest but two percent works too
- Flour: thickens the sauce use all purpose flour and sprinkle it evenly to avoid lumps
- Ketchup: delivers that signature burger tang look for one that is not overly sweet
- Worcestershire sauce: boosts umami if you have an artisan version it cannot hurt
- Salt and pepper: round out the flavors sea salt and freshly ground pepper recommended
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Begin by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains for even flavor throughout. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Build the Sauce:
- With beef still in the skillet evenly sprinkle flour over the meat. Stir well to coat the crumbles which helps thicken the sauce. Very gradually whisk in the milk letting it absorb after each addition. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and cook until it forms a smooth creamy sauce shiny and slightly thickened.
- Season and Simmer:
- Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture and season with salt and pepper. Stir to blend then let everything simmer gently for about two to three minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just a bit more.
- Add Pasta beef Bacon and Cheese:
- Fold in the cooked pasta crumbled beef bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir patiently so the cheese melts completely and every piece of pasta is coated with the saucy mixture. This step is where everything comes together into that rich loaded skillet.
- Finish and Serve:
- Serve hot straight from the skillet for best texture and gooeyness. For extra indulgence sprinkle on more cheese or beef bacon before carrying it to the table.
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The sharp cheddar is my favorite part by far. There is just something unbeatable about the way it melts through the pasta so perfectly. My nephew proudly calls this my “super hero dinner” because everyone gets excited when they smell it cooking.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool then keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce. This pasta does not freeze well since the sauce texture may become grainy after thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant based crumbles for a lighter version. Try pepper jack instead of cheddar if you want some heat. If you are out of Worcestershire use a small splash of soy sauce and a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the savory depth.
Serving Suggestions
Brighten the plate with a side salad of crisp greens or serve with roasted broccoli for color. Sometimes I top each bowl with sliced pickles or a drizzle of mustard to add burger shop flair. If you have buns toast them up and serve on the side for a playful cheeseburger dinner.
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Cultural Context
This dish is popular in Midwest home kitchens thanks to its blend of classic burger and comfort fare pasta. It reminds so many of us of American diner food but made simpler in a family skillet version. It is inspired by the same flavors as a beef bacon cheeseburger but transformed to be weeknight friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pasta works best in this skillet?
Rotini or penne hold sauce well and provide great texture, but shells or elbow macaroni are also excellent substitutes.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes, prepare the skillet in advance, then reheat gently. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep the sauce creamy.
- → Is it possible to use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Swapping in ground turkey or chicken works well and lightens the flavor, while still pairing nicely with the smoky bacon.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- → What side dishes go well with this skillet?
Simple green salads, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread all complement the rich flavors of this pasta dish.