A cozy bacon cheeseburger skillet made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet wasn’t born out of some grand plan. It came from one of those evenings where the day already took everything out of you. The kind where you’re tired in a deep, existential way, and the idea of cooking feels both comforting and exhausting at the same time. Ever been there?

I remember standing in the kitchen, barefoot, fridge door open longer than necessary, hoping inspiration would just… appear. We’d had cheeseburgers recently, and everyone loved them, but I didn’t have the energy to grill or deal with buns and toppings sliding everywhere. I just wanted the feeling of a cheeseburger. Warm. Familiar. A little indulgent.

Then I spotted leftover bacon from breakfast (which honestly felt like winning the lottery), half a box of macaroni, and some cheese that was definitely nearing its “use me or regret it” stage. And I thought, what if I just throw all the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger into one skillet and see what happens? No promises. No expectations.

Turns out, those are sometimes the best meals. The ones where you’re not chasing perfection, just comfort. When everyone went quiet at the table — that good quiet — I knew this Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet was something special. Or at least… special enough to make again.

Why you’ll Love this Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet?

This bacon cheeseburger skillet isn’t fancy food. It’s not trying to impress anyone. And somehow, that’s exactly why it works. It’s cozy in a way that feels nostalgic, like eating dinner in front of the TV on a Friday night when rules were looser and nobody cared about plates matching.

What I love most is how it captures the vibe of a bacon cheeseburger without actually being one. You get the savory beef, the smoky bacon, the cheesy pull — but it’s all stirred together, no juggling toppings, no buns falling apart halfway through.

And listen, I’m not saying this is the greatest skillet meal ever made. But I am saying that on a busy night, when you want something comforting and familiar and a little indulgent without the effort, this one hits the spot. Maybe even more than you expect. Sound familiar?

Ingredient Notes

Before we cook, let’s talk ingredients — not in a “lecture” way, but in a why this works way. Because every part of this Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet earns its place.

• Lean ground beef keeps things hearty without feeling heavy. I like lean here, but I’ll admit… sometimes I use whatever’s in the freezer and deal with the grease later.
• Elbow macaroni feels very old-school, and that’s kind of the point. It holds the sauce well and doesn’t steal the spotlight.
• Bacon is doing emotional labor here. Smoky, salty, comforting. Cook it crispy or don’t bother — floppy bacon just feels wrong in this skillet.
• Beef broth adds depth. Water technically works, but broth makes it taste like you tried harder than you did.
• Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce together give that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor. Sweet, tangy, savory. It’s not gourmet, but it’s right.
• Cornstarch thickens the sauce just enough so everything clings together instead of sliding apart.
• Cheddar and mozzarella are a team. Cheddar brings the flavor. Mozzarella brings the melt. I wouldn’t skip either if you can help it.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet?

This bacon cheeseburger skillet comes together quickly, which is both a blessing and a warning — it helps to have things ready before you start.

1. First, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then drain it and chop it up. I always tell myself I won’t snack on it, and I always do anyway. While that’s happening, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain it and set it aside. You want it cooked, but not soft enough to fall apart later.
2. Next, grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up as you go. Once it’s cooked through, drain off most of the grease. Don’t stress about getting every last drop — flavor lives here too.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch. This step feels a little fussy, but it saves you from weird clumps later, and nobody wants to chase those around the pan.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef, then pour in the broth mixture. Toss in the bacon and stir until everything looks glossy and well-coated. Let it simmer gently. You’ll see the sauce thicken and start hugging the pasta — that’s your sign you’re on track.
5. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet, and let it cook for a couple minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible layer. Uncover it, take a second to admire your work, and serve it hot.

Storage Options

If you end up with leftovers — which honestly depends on who’s eating — this bacon cheeseburger skillet stores pretty well. Let it cool, then keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen things up. Pasta tends to soak up sauce overnight, and this brings it back to life. Freezing works in theory, but the texture changes a bit. I prefer it fresh or reheated from the fridge, if I’m being honest.

Variations & Substitutions

This Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet is forgiving — maybe too forgiving. And I love that about it.

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re feeling lighter-than-usual.
• Use whatever pasta you have — shells, rotini, even bowties. The skillet won’t judge.
• Add onions or pickles if you love classic burger toppings. Pickles especially give it that “oh yeah” moment.
• Try pepper jack cheese if you want a little kick, or go all cheddar if that’s your comfort zone.
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free pasta and checked sauces.

Ever tweak a recipe and end up liking it more than the original? Same energy here.

What to Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet?

This bacon cheeseburger skillet is filling on its own, but sometimes a little balance helps.

• A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely.
• Roasted or steamed veggies keep things grounded.
• Garlic bread or rolls are perfect for scooping up leftover sauce — because yes, there will be sauce.

Or honestly? Just eat it straight from the bowl while standing at the counter. We’ve all done it.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can, but it’s best fresh. If you do make it early, slightly undercook the pasta and add broth when reheating so it doesn’t dry out.

Is this kid-friendly?
Very. The flavors are familiar and comforting. If your kids like cheeseburgers, this usually goes over well without questions.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just make sure your skillet is big enough. Crowding the pan can mess with the texture a bit, so split it if needed.

If you try this Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet, I really hope it brings you that same “ahh, this hits the spot” feeling it brings me. And if you tweak it, change it, or accidentally make it better — tell me. What would you add next time?

Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet

This Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a comforting one-pan meal that delivers classic cheeseburger flavor in an easy skillet format.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 6 bacon strips cooked until crisp and chopped
• 1½ c beef broth
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 –2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ c shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon and Pasta

• Cook the bacon in a skillet until fully crisp. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces. Separately, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Brown the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until evenly browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease, leaving a small amount in the pan for flavor.

Prepare the Sauce Mixture

• In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch until smooth and fully combined. This step ensures even thickening during cooking.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the browned beef. Pour in the prepared broth mixture and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta and meat evenly.

Add Bacon and Simmer

• Stir in the chopped bacon. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a cohesive, saucy texture.

Finish with Cheese

• Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the skillet. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.

Serve

• Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

To make this Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet gluten-free, substitute the elbow macaroni with certified gluten-free pasta and cook according to its package directions. Additionally, confirm that the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth used are labeled gluten-free, as some brands contain hidden gluten.