One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef
This easy cheeseburger pasta recipe is a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly dinner packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tender pasta, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or comforting homemade dinners, just like this Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, this one-pot cheeseburger pasta combines all the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a simple pasta dish.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until fully cooked. Once the pasta is ready, drain the water well and set it aside. This tender pasta creates the hearty base for this comforting, easy cheeseburger pasta recipe, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner option.
While the pasta is cooking, sauté the diced onion in a large frying pan over medium heat for about 7–8 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the raw ground beef to the pan, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Brown the beef thoroughly until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease. This savory beef mixture creates the rich, classic cheeseburger flavor that makes this homemade cheeseburger pasta so delicious.
In the same pan, cook the bacon bits until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the heat and place it on paper towel to drain excess grease. Carefully dispose of the bacon grease while keeping all that smoky bacon flavor ready to add back into the dish. The crispy bacon adds incredible flavor and texture, elevating this pasta into a true bacon cheeseburger pasta.
Finally, return the drained pasta to the frying pan and add the cooked ground beef, crispy bacon, tomato soup, and filtered water. Stir everything together thoroughly and heat for about 5–10 minutes until hot and fully combined. Once everything is heated through, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Let the cheese melt into the pasta, creating a rich, creamy, cheesy finish. Serve this easy one-pot cheeseburger pasta warm for a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family meals. If you’re looking for another easy ground beef dinner, be sure to try my Ground Beef Taco Salad Recipe.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
Meal Prep Tip: Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Ingredients
Pasta: Pasta creates the hearty base of this comforting dish, soaking up the rich sauce while providing satisfying texture. Rotini, macaroni, penne, or shells all work well for this easy cheeseburger pasta recipe.
Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef delivers the classic savory cheeseburger flavor while adding protein and richness to the dish just like in these Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef & Rice.
Bacon Strips: Bacon adds smoky, crispy flavor that enhances the cheeseburger-inspired taste and makes this pasta even more satisfying.
White Onion: White onion provides mild sweetness and savory depth when sautéed, creating a flavorful base.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic richness and bold flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Condensed Tomato Soup: Condensed tomato soup creates a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce that ties all of the cheeseburger flavors together.
Filtered Water: Water helps thin the tomato soup to create a smooth sauce consistency while allowing all ingredients to blend evenly.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds creamy, melted richness and classic cheeseburger flavor to the pasta. If cheesy pasta dishes are your favorite, my Nacho Casserole is another cozy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Salt & Pepper: Salt and pepper season the beef and sauce, enhancing all of the savory flavors.
Try these other easy pasta recipes.
- Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rigatoni pasta can also use rotini, bow ties, or penne
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 6 strips of bacon diced
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic diced
- 2 c. condensed tomato soup undiluted
- 1/2 c. filtered water
- 1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to instructions. Drain out the water and set aside.
- Sauté the diced onion for 7-8 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and fry until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the raw beef and brown it and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Fry the bacon bits in the pan. Remove the bacon from the heat, place it onto paper towel to drain, and dispose of the bacon grease.
- Add the drained pasta to the frying pan then add the ground beef, bacon, tomato soup, and filtered water. Heat everything together, which will take about 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the shredded cheese on top. Let melt and serve!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Cheeseburger Pasta FAQ
Can I make cheeseburger pasta ahead of time?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep and reheats well.
What type of pasta works best?
Macaroni, rotini, penne, or shells all work well.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
How do I make cheeseburger pasta creamier?
Add extra cheese, milk, or cream.
Can I freeze cheeseburger pasta?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Colby Jack also work well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added easily.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Its cheesy, familiar flavors make it popular with families.
What sides pair well with cheeseburger pasta?
Cucumber Salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or side salads pair perfectly.