Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 6 strips bacon (cooked until crisp and chopped); 1½ cups beef broth; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 1 –2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Ground beef, crispy bacon, pasta, cheddar, mozzarella, and a savory sauce make this Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet a quick weeknight favorite.

I wasn’t planning on making this Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet. Not at all. In fact, that night I had half a thought of ordering pizza. But then I opened the fridge and saw a pack of bacon that had about two days of life left, a block of cheddar, and ground beef sitting right there like they’d been plotting something together.

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Now, I’ve had my share of “what’s in the fridge” dinners that turned out… let’s just say “experimental.” But this time? This time was different. I thought, why not take everything I love about a bacon cheeseburger and turn it into one big skillet of cheesy pasta goodness? No buns, no grill, no one asking for “just ketchup on mine.” Just all the good stuff, all together, no rules.

It came together in 20 minutes, and when I brought it to the table, the room got that hush. You know the one — forks moving, heads down, no talking because everyone’s too busy eating. It’s a good sign. My husband just nodded and went for seconds before I’d even sat down.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Recipe?

The Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet is everything you want on a Tuesday night when you don’t have the patience for a full-blown burger night. It’s smoky from the bacon, rich from the beef, and wrapped in a sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It’s also the kind of recipe that doesn’t demand a trip to the store — you probably have most of the stuff already.

And honestly? It’s got that “leftover magic” quality. You know the kind — when you heat it up the next day and somehow it tastes even better. Although, fair warning, it’s not easy to get leftovers when this is on the table.

Ingredient Notes:

I like recipes where the ingredient list doesn’t read like a grocery store scavenger hunt. Here’s what’s going in this skillet:

Lean Ground Beef – I like 85/15 so it’s still got some flavor, but not a greasy mess.
Elbow Macaroni – My go-to because it traps all the cheesy sauce, but penne or shells would be just fine.
Bacon – Crisp it up so it stands out in every bite. Thick-cut if you’ve got it.
Beef Broth – Adds that deep, savory base.
Ketchup – Yes, ketchup. It gives that “burger” tang without overpowering.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it hugs the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom.
Worcestershire Sauce – A little salty, a little tangy, and very necessary.
Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar is best for that bold cheeseburger bite.
Mozzarella Cheese – Makes the whole thing extra melty and stretchy.

How To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet?

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start here because, let’s face it, nothing smells better. Fry it until crispy, drain it, and chop it into bite-size pieces. Try not to eat half before you’re done — easier said than done.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Cook your macaroni until just al dente. It’ll keep cooking in the skillet, so don’t go overboard. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef
In a big skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain most of the grease, but leave a little — that’s flavor you don’t want to lose.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, cornstarch, and Worcestershire sauce. This little mix is what turns your skillet from “beef and pasta” into “oh wow, this is dinner.”

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Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the pasta to the skillet with the beef, pour in the sauce, and toss in the bacon. Stir it all together until every piece of pasta is coated and happy.

Step 6: Cheese Time
Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella over the top. Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes so the cheese melts into glorious, gooey perfection.

Step 7: Serve
Grab a big spoon, dish it out, and watch it disappear.

Storage Options:

If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk so the sauce loosens back up. It freezes well too — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions:

Change the Cheese – Pepper jack for spice, gouda for smokiness.
Add Veggies – Peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach if you’re feeling virtuous.
Swap the Meat – Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat works fine.
Gluten-Free – Use GF pasta and make sure your sauces are GF too.

What to Serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet?

Crisp Salad – Balances out the richness.
Garlic Bread – Because why not double down on carbs?
Pickles – Sounds odd, but trust me, it’s the “burger” touch you didn’t know you needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead?
Yep. Just reheat with a splash of liquid so it’s creamy again.

Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely — shells, rotini, penne… whatever’s in the pantry.

Can I make it spicy?
Oh yes. Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or swap in a spicy cheese.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet is my kind of weeknight dinner — easy, cheesy, and just a little indulgent. It’s the meal you make when you want everyone to be happy without spending all night in the kitchen. So, what do you think — does this one earn a spot in your regular rotation?

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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