Description

This Ultimate Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet with Bacon is the perfect comfort food mashup — creamy, cheesy pasta meets the bold flavors of a bacon cheeseburger. Made in one pan with pantry staples and ready in just 30 minutes, this family-friendly dinner is fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. From weeknights to game nights, this skillet dish delivers all the diner-style satisfaction you crave without the drive-thru. Serve it straight from the pan for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the skillet:

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 ½ cups beef broth
1 cup milk
8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or shells)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Optional: pickles, diced

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and turkey bacon to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the turkey bacon is crispy. Drain excess fat.
Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, milk, paprika, and uncooked pasta. Mix well to combine.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add diced pickles if using, and stir to combine.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Cheese matters: Always use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
Customize toppings: Think pickles, diced tomatoes, or crispy onions for fun finishing touches.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Meal prep tip: Freeze in single servings and reheat with a little milk for next-day deliciousness.
Serving idea: Try spooning leftovers into burger buns for a pasta-burger hybrid.