Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Cheeseburger pasta is a delicious comfort food recipe that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger. This easy 30-minute dinner is loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, making it a family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. Try this simple one-pot cheeseburger casserole-style pasta today for a quick and satisfying dish!

Ingredients

• Bacon: 6 strips, cut into thirds
• Ground Beef: ¾ lb., seasoned with 1 ½ teaspoons steak seasoning
• Butter or Bacon Drippings: 3 tablespoons
• Flour: 3 tablespoons
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup
• Milk: 1 cup
• Broth: ¼ cup chicken or beef broth
• Condiments:
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Pasta: ½ lb. rotini, cooked to al dente

---

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Fry the bacon pieces in a large, high-walled skillet or Dutch oven over low heat until crispy on both sides.
2. Remove the bacon from the skillet and reserve the bacon drippings. Once cooled, roughly chop the bacon.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In the same skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease, then remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of reserved bacon drippings (or butter) over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream in small splashes, stirring constantly. Repeat with the milk and broth.
4. Stir in the mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cool slightly before gradually adding the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked ground beef and half of the chopped bacon to the sauce. Stir to combine.
2. Gently mix in the drained pasta until fully coated in the sauce.
3. Garnish with the remaining bacon and serve immediately.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy pasta dish.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt to your taste with different cheeses, sauces, or add-ins.

Tips

• Reserve Bacon Drippings: Use bacon drippings for an extra layer of flavor in the sauce.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Ensure pasta is al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mix of cheeses.
• Protein Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
• Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What other types of pasta can I use?

Shells, penne, or fusilli work well if you don’t have rotini on hand.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serving: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Suggestions: Top with diced pickles, crispy onions, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and texture.