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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta combines the juicy, smoky flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta, delivering a hearty and comforting meal that’s quick to make, family-friendly, and customizable. Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish satisfies burger cravings in a delightful pasta form.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats and Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 6 bacon strips

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup diced dill pickles

Condiments and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Fry bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Brown the ground beef: In the same skillet, leave about a tablespoon of bacon fat for flavor. Add ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until fragrant and soft to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard into the beef mixture. Let simmer for several minutes to blend flavors, creating the classic cheeseburger taste.
  5. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Combine everything: Add cooked pasta and crumbled bacon back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top, stirring gently until melted and creamy.
  7. Finish with pickles: Stir in diced dill pickles last to retain their crunch and zest. Give a final toss and remove from heat.

Notes

  • Use quality bacon for better flavor and extra smokiness.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to hold up when mixed with sauce.
  • Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if it becomes too thick.
  • Season as you go, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper to avoid bland or overly salty results.
  • Fresh, crisp dill pickles add brightness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese.
  • Use a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking and melding of flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger pasta, loaded pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, family-friendly pasta, cheeseburger recipe, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/loaded-bacon-cheeseburger-pasta/