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Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
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Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy sauce with pasta. This one-pot meal captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger, making it perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, it’s a versatile and hearty comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 6 bacon slices

Dairy & Sauces

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Produce

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup chopped pickles (optional)

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or shells

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon and Beef: Fry the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, to build the flavor base.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Condiments: Mix in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard. Stir well to combine, then allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni or shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the heavy cream or milk into the beef mixture, stirring gently until creamy. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine.
  6. Finish with Bacon and Seasonings: Chop the cooked bacon and stir most of it into the pasta mixture, reserving a few pieces for garnish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add optional chopped pickles for a tangy crunch, then serve garnished with reserved bacon and extra cheddar if desired.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta to keep it firm and avoid mushiness.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • Cook bacon until crisp for optimal texture contrast.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef pasta, bacon cheeseburger pasta, comfort food, one-pot meal, cheesy pasta, family dinner

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/loaded-beef-bacon-cheeseburger-pasta/