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Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Ultimate Comfort Food

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Get ready for a dish that combines the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger with comforting pasta. This Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is hearty, flavorful, and destined to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 oz beef bacon, sliced
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or medium shells, rotini, or penne)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or half-and-half or heavy cream)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook your sliced beef bacon until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and set aside, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Break it up with a spoon and cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, leaving a tiny bit for flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then stir in the milk, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pickle relish. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook the Pasta: In a separate large pot, cook your chosen pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-12 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  6. Combine and Melt the Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta. Add the shredded cheddar and American cheese slices, stirring over low heat until melted and creamy. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Add the Bacon: Crumble most of the crispy beef bacon into the pasta, reserving a small amount for garnish. Stir gently into the cheesy pasta.
  8. Serve It Up: Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with reserved crispy beef bacon, extra shredded cheddar, fresh chopped parsley, and optional chopped pickles or diced tomatoes. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition

Keywords: Choose short pasta shapes that can hold onto a thick sauce. Don't skimp on the cheese for the best flavor and creaminess. Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes and parsley can enhance the dish.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/loaded-beef-bacon-cheeseburger-pasta-ultimate-comfort-food/