All the juicy, cheesy comfort of a bacon cheeseburger—baked into creamy, skillet-style pasta. Weeknight dinner just got a serious upgrade.
📋 Recipe Card
Yield Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
4 servings 10 min 15 min 25 min
Dietary Tags: Comfort Food, Kid-Friendly, One-Pan
Ingredients (Checklist Style)
▢ 1 lb ground beef
▢ 4 slices bacon – cooked and crumbled
▢ 2 cups penne pasta – cooked
▢ 1 cup Alfredo sauce
▢ ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
▢ ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional)
▢ Salt and pepper – to taste
🔪 Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add Bacon & Pasta
Stir in the crumbled bacon, cooked penne pasta, and Alfredo sauce until everything is fully coated and warmed through.
Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and creamy. If using, gently fold in chopped pickles for that cheeseburger tang.
Season & Serve
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with extra cheese or bacon bits.
📝 Additional Notes
Cheddar tip: Use sharp cheddar for bolder flavor.
Pickles: Adds zing, just like your favorite burger! Optional but recommended.
Make it a bake: Top with cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden crust.
✨ Introduction
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake takes everything you love about the classic burger—beef, bacon, cheese, pickles—and transforms it into a rich, creamy pasta skillet. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights and big appetites.
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Brown the Beef
Sauté ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Tip: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking for extra depth.
2. Mix in Bacon & Pasta
Toss in crumbled bacon and cooked penne. Pour Alfredo sauce over the top and stir to coat evenly.
Shortcut: Use store-bought Alfredo to save time.
3. Add Cheese & Pickles
Once warm, stir in cheddar cheese until fully melted. Fold in diced pickles for brightness (optional but delicious!).
4. Taste & Garnish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve straight from the skillet or transfer to a baking dish and broil for bubbly topping.
🧂 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ingredient Swap Options Notes
Ground beef Ground turkey, chicken Adjust seasoning for leaner meats
Penne pasta Rotini, elbow macaroni Short pasta holds sauce best
Alfredo sauce Homemade, or jarred Adds creaminess & cheese base
Cheddar cheese Pepper jack, mozzarella Mix for flavor variety
Pickles Pickled jalapeños For spice lovers
🍰 Variations & Serving Ideas
🔁 Flavor Variations
Bacon BBQ Bake: Swap Alfredo for BBQ sauce + ¼ cup cream.
Spicy Cheeseburger Pasta: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
Veggie Add-In: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the beef.
🍽 What to Serve With
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or toasted buns
Dill pickle spears on the side
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Method Duration Notes
Fridge 3–4 days Store in airtight container
Freezer 2–3 months Freeze in individual portions
Reheat Microwave or skillet Add splash of milk to loosen the sauce
Make-Ahead Tip: Cook beef and bacon ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then reheat before serving.
🔍 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Estimate)
Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 28g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 35g
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Diet Tags: Comfort Food, Family Meal
❓ FAQs
Can I make this without Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can substitute a béchamel or cheese sauce base if desired.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are perfect for holding the sauce.
Is this good for kids?
Absolutely—it’s like mac and cheese meets cheeseburger!
💬 Personal Note
This dish was born from an “I-have-all-these-leftovers” moment—and it’s been a hit ever since. It’s hearty, cheesy, and feels indulgent without much work. Pickles may sound unusual, but they bring that final cheeseburger kick. Trust me and try it once!
📣 Call to Action
If this dish became a hit at your table, share it with a fellow cheeseburger lover! Tag me @YourKitchenHandle with your own bacon-to-cheese ratio and don’t forget to leave a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. What’s your twist on cheeseburger pasta?