Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Are you ready for a culinary explosion that combines the ultimate comfort food favorites – cheeseburgers and pasta – into one incredibly satisfying skillet? Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet! This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Imagine tender pasta swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce, infused with the smoky aroma of crispy bacon and the savory essence of juicy ground beef. Each bite offers a delightful combination of creamy, salty, and slightly tangy notes, all while being surprisingly easy to create. Forget complicated recipes and time-consuming prep work; this skillet meal is designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. Prepare yourself for a flavor adventure that’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious – a true masterpiece for busy weeknights or effortless weekend gatherings.

One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

A simple and flavorful one-pan recipe featuring juicy roasted chicken and tender vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 lb Potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb Carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 head Broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, toss potatoes, carrots, and broccoli with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the vegetables evenly on a large baking sheet.
• Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
• Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. For extra flavor, add a few cloves of minced garlic to the vegetables.

Keyword dinner, easy, lemon herb, one-pan, roasted chicken, vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen:

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a huge win, especially after a long day. Everything cooks together in one skillet, simplifying the process and reducing the mess.
• Unbelievably Flavorful: The combination of savory ground beef, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and rich pasta sauce is a flavor powerhouse that’s hard to resist. It’s comfort food elevated.
• Incredibly Versatile: Feel free to customize it to your liking. Add different cheeses, veggies, or spices to create your unique version. (More on variations below!)
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for those short on time.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will devour. Even picky eaters will find something to love in this cheesy, bacon-filled skillet.
• Budget-Friendly: This dish uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it a cost-effective meal without sacrificing taste.
• Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, this skillet meal looks impressive when served. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering.

Why You Should Try This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Beyond the deliciousness, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet offers several compelling reasons to try it:

• Satisfies Cravings: It’s the perfect answer to those cheeseburger and pasta cravings. It hits all the right comfort food notes in one go.
• Improves Mealtime Efficiency: With its one-pan cooking method and quick preparation time, it drastically reduces cooking time and cleanup, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
• Enhances Family Bonding: Sharing a delicious and easy-to-make meal like this can bring families together and create positive mealtime memories.
• Experiments with Flavors: The recipe allows you to explore different flavor combinations and personalize it to your taste preferences. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping and enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day.
• A Delicious Way to Use Leftovers: Use leftover cooked pasta, ground beef, or even bacon to create this dish even faster.
• Offers Nutritional Benefits (see below): While indulgent, the inclusion of pasta, beef, and cheese offers a decent source of protein and carbohydrates for energy.

Ingredients and Utensils for Your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Gathering the right ingredients and having the right tools on hand is key to cooking success. Let’s get organized!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce (your favorite kind)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (16 ounce) package pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work well)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional Toppings: chopped green onions, sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard

Utensils:

• Large skillet (oven-safe preferred)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Detailed Recipe Steps for Your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is easier than you think.

1. Prepare the Bacon: Dice the bacon and cook it in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of boiling salted water. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
6. Combine and Melt: Stir in the cooked bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. **Stir gently** to combine everything. Cover and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
7. Broil (Optional): For a extra bubbly, cheesy top, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using). Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, pickles, ketchup, or mustard. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet!

**Tip:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while it’s browning.

Tips and Variations for Your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to customize it to your liking.

Ingredient Alternatives:

• Cheese variations: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
• Meat variations: Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for a leaner or spicier option. Even crumbled cooked sausage would work well.
• Vegetable additions: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Sautee them with the onions.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
• Pasta variations: Use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, farfalle, or even small ravioli.

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

• Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite) to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
• Burning the cheese: If broiling, keep a close eye on the skillet to prevent the cheese from burning. It only takes a minute or two.
• Not draining the grease: Draining excess grease from the ground beef helps prevent a greasy sauce.
• Under-seasoning: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust seasoning as needed. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper!

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

While this recipe is undeniably indulgent, it’s important to understand the nutritional aspects.

Note: The exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. The following is an approximation.

A typical serving of this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet likely contains:

• Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving
• Protein: A good source of protein from the ground beef and cheese, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Carbohydrates: Provides energy from the pasta.
• Fat: Higher in fat due to the ground beef and cheese; choose leaner ground beef to reduce fat content.

Benefits of key ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Excellent source of iron, zinc, and protein.
• Bacon: Provides some protein and adds a salty, smoky flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
• Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and fiber (depending on the type of pasta).
• Onions and Garlic: Rich in antioxidants and beneficial compounds that promote overall health.

Remember to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Its versatility allows for endless customization, and the flavor combination is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more bacon-inspired recipes, check out our Whipped Feta Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers – another crowd-pleaser! For a completely different direction, check out our delicious Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies with Cheesecake Dip for a sweet treat! Finally, pin this recipe for later on Pinterest!