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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy, tender pasta for a savory, indulgent comfort food. Featuring crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a luscious creamy sauce, this quick and simple dish is perfect for busy weeknights and pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon, diced

Pasta

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or small shells

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Condiments & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Optional: chili flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef: Pan-fry diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and drain off excess fat, leaving a small amount in the pan. Brown the ground beef in the same pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika while cooking. This forms the flavorful meaty base.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant to build depth and richness in the sauce.
  3. Prepare the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside to soak up the sauce later without becoming mushy.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir tomato paste or diced tomatoes and Dijon mustard into the skillet. Add heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth and warmed through. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted into a luscious sauce.
  5. Combine Everything: Return cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and browned ground beef to the creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all pasta pieces evenly and heat for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with extra shredded cheese, freshly chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits if desired. Serve the dish piping hot for maximum cheeseburger satisfaction.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for authentic flavor and best melting quality.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; keep it slightly firmer than usual to maintain perfect texture with the sauce.
  • Render bacon slowly on medium heat to achieve crispiness without burning.
  • Adjust the creaminess and seasoning by adding more cheese or Dijon mustard to taste.
  • Stir well when combining all ingredients to ensure every bite has bacon, beef, and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, bacon recipe, cheesy pasta

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