Craving the delicious taste of a bacon cheeseburger but looking for something new? This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines everything you love about a classic cheeseburger into a hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With savory ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender pasta all mixed in a creamy sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into this comforting and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: diced pickles, green onions, or tomatoes for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet, chop into pieces, and set aside. Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly add the milk and beef broth, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Add ketchup, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and cheese sauce to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, topped with optional garnishes like diced pickles, green onions, or fresh tomatoes for an extra burst of cheeseburger flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Duration Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or fusilli works well in this recipe.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pasta and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- Can I add extra veggies? Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions to enhance the flavor and add more nutrients.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Enjoy this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta—a cozy, delicious dish that turns your favorite burger into a creamy, cheesy pasta masterpiece!