Imagine all the bold, smoky flavor of a classic bacon cheeseburger — now wrapped in creamy, cheesy pasta sauce. This skillet fettuccine is rich, comforting, and weeknight-worthy with serious crowd-pleasing power.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: ~720 kcal per serving
Dietary Tags: Hearty | Comfort Food | Crowd-Pleaser
🧾 Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 strips bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 oz fettuccine pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish
🔧 Tools Needed
Large pot (for pasta)
Large skillet (for bacon, beef, sauce)
Slotted spoon
Measuring cups
Knife & cutting board
Tongs or wooden spoon
👨🍳 Instructions
Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine for 10–12 minutes, until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set pasta aside.
Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, 6–8 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave bacon drippings in the skillet.
Brown the Beef
In the same skillet, add ground beef. Cook until no pink remains, 6–7 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed (leave a bit for flavor).
Make the Cheese Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream. Once warm, add cheddar and Parmesan.
Stir continuously until melted and smooth, 3–5 minutes.
Mix in Pasta & Tomatoes
Add cooked fettuccine and diced tomatoes. Toss until pasta is well-coated.
If sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Top with Bacon & Serve
Sprinkle crispy bacon over top. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot!
💡 Quick Tips
Reserve pasta water — it’s the secret to loosening a heavy sauce.
Don’t overcook the beef — aim for browned and crumbly, not dry.
Use smoked cheddar or sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
Want a veggie boost? Add spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
📸 Brief Introduction
This dish brings big comfort food energy. Creamy sauce, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and hearty beef — all tossed with silky fettuccine. It’s everything you crave from a bacon cheeseburger, reimagined as a pasta masterpiece. Best part? It’s all done in under 40 minutes with just one skillet and one pot.
👣 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
🍝 1. Pasta First
Cook your fettuccine until al dente — you want it to hold up against the thick, creamy sauce.
Tip: Add salt to the boiling water — it’s your only chance to season the pasta.
🥓 2. Bacon for Depth
Crisping the bacon first does two things: gives you crunchy topping and leaves flavorful drippings for the beef.
🥩 3. Brown the Beef
Break it up well so it combines evenly with the sauce later. Season lightly — the cheese and bacon bring salt too.
🧀 4. Stir in the Sauce
Once you add the cream and cheeses, stir constantly over low heat until velvety. Don’t rush — low and slow keeps the sauce smooth.
🍅 5. Combine All Elements
Add the fettuccine and diced tomatoes. Stir to coat evenly. If it feels heavy, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
🌿 6. Finish & Serve
Top with bacon and parsley. Serve hot — it’s rich, so small portions go a long way.
🧂 Ingredient Details & Variations
🧀 Cheese Notes
Cheddar = melty richness
Parmesan = nutty and sharp
Want more heat? Add pepper jack
🔁 Substitutions
Use ground turkey or plant-based beef for a lighter version
Swap fettuccine for penne or rigatoni
Sub half-and-half for cream if needed, though sauce may be thinner
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍴 What to Serve With
Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Side Caesar or arugula salad
Roasted green beans or broccoli
🍹 Pairing Suggestions
Crisp lager or chilled sparkling water with lemon
Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for wine lovers
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
🧺 Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or milk.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tip
Cook bacon and beef ahead and refrigerate. Assemble fresh with pasta and sauce in under 15 minutes.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
Calories: ~720 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another pasta shape?
A: Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells all work great.
Q: Can this be made in advance?
A: You can prep the beef, bacon, and sauce ahead, but combine with pasta just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: It freezes okay, but cream-based sauces may separate slightly. Reheat slowly with extra cream or broth.
🧡 Personal Note
This recipe came from my love for blending cozy pasta dinners with diner-style indulgence. The result? A skillet of bacon-cheeseburger comfort that’s rich, easy, and wildly satisfying. Serve this to guests or make it on a weeknight when you’re craving something extra — it never disappoints.