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Snuggle up with this pan of bacon cheeseburger pasta—creamy, smoky, and smothered in gooey cheddar. It all comes together super quick in one skillet. When I want something bold but don’t want a kitchen disaster, this always hits the spot. Totally awesome for those nights when everyone's starving and patience is thin.
The first time I served this, my family joked it was like mac and cheese met a cheeseburger and couldn’t stop laughing. Now, any time I ask for meal ideas, this dish wins almost every time.
Addictive Ingredients
- Ground beef: This gives the dish its main flavor—go for 80% lean so you get all the richness but not a puddle of grease
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that crazy melt factor—sharp cheddar tastes best and really pops
- Cooked pasta: Rotini soaks up every bit of sauce, but penne is awesome too—don’t overdo it, slightly firm is your goal
- Ketchup: Burger vibes right here—choose one on the tangy side and you'll be happy
- Cooked beef bacon, crumbled: Adds crunch and smoke—be sure to pat it dry after cooking for best texture
- Salt and pepper: The finishing touches—sea salt and fresh black pepper boost the flavor a ton
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives everything a deep pop—any brand works, aim for the rich stuff if you’ve got it
- Milk: Pour it in to make things creamy—whole milk is best, but two percent will still do the trick
- Flour: Thickens everything up—sprinkle it in slowly to fend off lumps
Simple Steps
- Jump In and Eat:
- Spoon it up while the cheese is still melty and gooey. For more oomph, toss on extra cheddar or crispy bacon.
- Blend in Pasta Bacon Cheese:
- Drop in the pasta, cheese, and crunchy bacon—mix it around until everything's hot and totally coated in the molten sauce. This is where it all comes together.
- Add Sauces & Let Simmer:
- Squeeze in ketchup, splash in Worcestershire, hit it with salt and pepper, and stir. Let it cook gently so flavors really blend and the sauce turns richer.
- Make It Creamy:
- With the beef still in, sprinkle in the flour and stir. Slowly add the milk while stirring non-stop till the sauce thickens up and looks shiny.
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat your skillet, crumble the beef in, and brown it up. Break apart any big bits. Drain off fat so your sauce stays light and tasty.
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The cheddar really steals the show. I love how it coats every piece of pasta so perfectly. My nephew calls this my 'super dinner power' since everyone gets excited the moment it’s ready.
Leftovers Plan
Let your extras cool, then pop them into a container with a tight lid. Chill in the fridge up to three days. To warm up, just add a splash of milk and heat gently in a pan—the creamy sauce comes right back. Don’t freeze it though—sauce just doesn’t hold up after thawing.
Swaps
Use turkey or vegetarian crumbles if you want it lighter. If you like spicier kicks, switch to pepper jack cheese. Out of Worcestershire? Dash in some soy sauce and shake in smoked paprika instead—you’ll still get big, bold flavor.
Serving Twists
Toss on a fresh salad or roasted broccoli for some crunch and color. I love piling on sliced pickles or a squirt of mustard for pure burger goodness. If you’ve got buns handy, toast them up for a fun side!
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Backstory
Midwestern folks throw this dish together because it’s all about comfort and burger flavors right at home. It’s like being at a diner but way easier and cooked in just one pan. All the tasty parts of a bacon cheeseburger, but quicker, so it’s perfect for fast weeknight meals.
Common Questions
- → Will any pasta shapes work okay?
Elbows or shells are easy choices, but if you’ve got rotini or penne those work great too for holding all that sauciness.
- → Can I throw this together before and reheat?
Absolutely—just make it earlier, warm up slowly when you’re hungry, and splash in milk if it’s gotten too thick.
- → Am I able to switch out the beef for turkey or chicken?
Yep! Chicken or turkey keeps things lighter but still gives you plenty of flavor (especially with that smoky bacon).
- → How do I make this a bit spicier?
Chop in some jalapeños, shake in hot sauce, or dust a little cayenne to bump up the spice.
- → What’s yummy to have on the side?
Garlic bread, steamed veggies, or a fresh green salad all go super well next to this cheesy pasta.