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
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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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.
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Serve: Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and optional pickles or pickled jalapeños for added crunch and tang.
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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