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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – A Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – A Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Pasta, Comfort Food
  • Method: Stovetop, Skillet
  • Cuisine: American (Cheeseburger-Inspired)

Description

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines all the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of pasta. Packed with crispy bacon, ground beef, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy any cheeseburger craving.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Bacon:

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Pickles or pickled jalapeños for a bit of tang and spice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble and set aside.

  3. Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

  4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

  8. Serve: Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and optional pickles or pickled jalapeños for added crunch and tang.

  9. Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-packed comfort!


Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of mustard to the sauce.
  • If you want a bit of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when making the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6th of the recipe (if serving 6 portions)
  • Calories: 600-700
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg