Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta (Recipe for Printing)

Creamy cheddar pasta tossed with bacon, seasoned beef, and burger-inspired flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni

→ Meat & Protein

02 - 6 slices bacon, chopped
03 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

04 - 1 small onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Condiments & Spices

06 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce Components

11 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
12 - 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1/4 cup cream cheese
15 - 1/2 cup beef broth
16 - 1/4 cup ketchup

→ Garnish

17 - 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the skillet.
02 - Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring for one additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
05 - Reduce heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until the cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to thoroughly coat the pasta with the cheesy sauce.
07 - Return the crisp bacon to the skillet and gently stir to distribute throughout the dish.
08 - Garnish with chopped pickles if desired. Serve hot, optionally topped with fresh parsley.

# Extra Tips:

01 - A pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can be added for heat. Burger sauce or an extra drizzle of ketchup adds authentic burger flavor.
02 - Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
03 - Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini are optimal for holding onto the sauce.

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