Cheeseburger Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
587 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheeseburger Pasta
Description
This recipe starts by cooking bacon until crisp, reserving the drippings for a flavorful roux base. Ground beef seasoned with steak seasoning is browned and drained. Pasta is cooked to al dente, then combined with a cheese sauce made by whisking flour into bacon drippings and gradually adding heavy cream, milk, and broth to create a creamy roux. Mustard, ketchup, dill pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce add complexity and a tangy, slightly spicy note to the sauce. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, binding everything together.
The result is a rich pasta with the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger—meaty, cheesy, tangy, and smoky. The combination of bacon's crisp texture and seasoned beef complements the creamy sauce coating the rotini pasta well.
This dish is filling and suited for weeknight dinners or casual meals. It pairs with simple sides or a salad to balance its richness. Variations such as turkey substitution or adding diced onions or tomatoes can adapt the flavor.
Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to three days or freeze for longer storage, though care should be taken not to overcook pasta when reheating.
Ingredients
- 6 Bacon strips
- ¾ lb. ground beef
- 1 ½ teaspoon steak seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter or bacon drippings
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ lb. rotini pasta
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into thirds and fry in a large high-walled skillet or Dutch oven over low heat until crispy on both sides. Remove from skillet and reserve bacon drippings. Roughly chop the bacon once cooled. (Measure out remaining ingredients while the bacon cooks.)
- Season the ground beef with steak seasoning and cook and crumble it over medium-high heat in the same skillet. Drain any grease, then remove and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted pasta water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain once cooked.
- While the pasta boils, melt 3 tablespoons reserved bacon drippings (or butter) to the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp. flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream in small splashes, stirring continuously. Add the milk and chicken broth in the same manner. Stir in the mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the base cool for a minute, then gradually sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, stirring continuously.
- Add the ground beef and half of the bacon and stir to combine. Gently stir in the drained pasta.
- Sprinkle with remaining bacon and serve!
Notes
- Shred fresh cheese from a block for better melting and flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Frank's hot sauce adds flavor without significant heat; adjust or omit to taste.
- Alternate pasta shapes like macaroni or bowtie work well.
- Ground turkey can substitute ground beef; add diced red onions while cooking beef if desired.
- Diced tomatoes or pickles can top the finished dish for added texture and brightness.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Set timers when reheating to avoid overcooked pasta.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 587 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 587kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 126mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 558mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 454mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 849IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 287mg | 29% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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