This one-pan dinner brings together everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger — beefy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded — all tossed with pasta in a creamy, savory sauce. Ready in 30 minutes!
🕒 Servings & Timing
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Dietary Tags: Comfort Food, One-Pot, Kid-Friendly
✅ Ingredients Checklist
Main Ingredients
Ground beef
Cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cooked bacon, crumbled
For the Sauce
Milk
All-purpose flour
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Salt
Black pepper
🔪 Instructions
Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Make the roux
Sprinkle flour into the skillet with the beef and stir to coat.
Gradually whisk in the milk, forming a smooth, creamy base.
Flavor the sauce
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Mix in pasta, bacon & cheese
Add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir until the cheese melts and everything is coated in sauce.
Serve hot
Serve immediately, optionally topped with more cheese or bacon.
💡 Notes
Make it spicier: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
Use leftover pasta or bacon to make this even faster.
Double the batch: It reheats well for lunch the next day!
🖼️ Hero Image & Quick Intro
This easy skillet meal is the best of both worlds — creamy pasta and cheeseburger flavor in one bite. A perfect weeknight dinner made with pantry staples, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults. Think hamburger helper, but homemade and way better.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Cook & Crumble
Brown your ground beef in a large skillet until fully cooked. Drain to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Tip: For leaner flavor, use 90/10 ground beef.
2. Make the Sauce Base
Sprinkle flour over the beef, then slowly whisk in milk to form a creamy roux.
Tip: Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Add Classic Burger Flavor
Mix in ketchup and Worcestershire — this gives it that signature cheeseburger tang. Simmer briefly to thicken.
4. Stir in the Pasta, Bacon & Cheese
Add cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined.
Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
🧂 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini, penne, or shells all hold sauce well.
Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work as a substitute.
Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend.
Add-ins: Diced pickles, caramelized onions, or jalapeños for extra flair.
🍽️ Variations & Serving Suggestions
Flavor Twists
Add a spoonful of yellow mustard for an extra burger vibe.
Stir in chopped tomatoes or a dollop of relish just before serving.
Top with crushed potato chips or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
Serving Ideas
Pair with a side salad or steamed broccoli.
Serve with garlic toast or toasted buns on the side.
Great in lunchboxes — just reheat and pack!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave on medium power or warm in a skillet with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: ~500 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: Moderate–High (from bacon, cheese, condiments)
Allergens: Dairy, gluten
Diet Tags: High-Protein, One-Pot
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use uncooked pasta in this?
A: No — this recipe is designed for pre-cooked pasta. Using dry pasta would require more liquid and cook time.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: Absolutely — just skip it, or add smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Totally! It’s rich, cheesy, and familiar — basically a homemade version of a boxed favorite.
📝 Personal Note
This dish was born from a craving for comfort food that didn’t take an hour to make. It brings the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger and macaroni together in one skillet — no oven required, and almost no cleanup. A true weeknight win!
💬 Let’s Talk Comfort Food
Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below or tag @yourbloghandle to show off your skillet creation.
🧀🥓🍝 What’s your favorite twist on cheeseburger pasta?