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Craving a hearty weeknight dinner packed with flavor and fun nostalgia This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta brings your favorite burger ingredients to a creamy skillet pasta the perfect comfort meal when you need a little extra indulgence
After making this for a Friday movie night when we could not agree on takeout my family instantly declared it a new favorite Fast creamy and so fun like a burger and fries twisted into a bowl
Ingredients
- Pasta like penne or rotini: adds a chewy base and soaks up all the cheesy sauce Choose a good quality brand for the best texture
- Ground beef: brings classic cheeseburger flavor Look for beef that is not too lean for juicy results
- Bacon: gives rich salty crunch Use thick cut and cook until really crisp
- Onion and garlic: layer in sweet depth and savory aroma Fresh is best
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into creamy richness Medium or sharp cheddar gives the boldest taste
- Heavy cream: creates a luscious sauce Pick a cream with a good date for best results
- Beef broth: boosts the savory note Opt for low sodium to control the salt
- Ketchup and mustard: bring burger tang Choose ketchup without corn syrup for natural sweetness and classic yellow mustard
- Paprika: adds a gentle smokiness Use fresh paprika for strong flavor
- Salt and pepper: balance all the flavors Taste as you go to avoid oversalting
- Chopped pickles optional: for a punchy topping Pick a bright crunchy variety like dill slices
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until barely al dente This helps it avoid getting too soft later Drain well and set aside
- Crisp the Bacon:
- Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until deep golden brown and crispy Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel Cool then crumble into bits
- Build the Flavor Base:
- In the same skillet use about one tablespoon of bacon fat if you can Sauté diced onion for five minutes on medium low until soft and golden Add minced garlic Cook another minute until fragrant
- Brown the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the pan Sprinkle with salt pepper and paprika Break up with a spoon and cook until browned with no pink showing about six to eight minutes
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in ketchup mustard beef broth and heavy cream Blend everything well Let it simmer five minutes until bubbling and slightly thickened This is where the flavors mingle
- Combine Pasta and Cheese:
- Return pasta and bacon to the skillet Scatter shredded cheddar over the top Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce turns creamy and glossy If needed add a splash of broth to loosen up
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with chopped pickles if you like Serve steaming hot
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When I toss in the pickles everyone grins and the dish disappears before you know it My favorite part is the blend of melty cheddar with crispy bacon bits which brings back memories of outdoor grilling in summer
Storage Tips
Cool leftover pasta and store in an airtight container in the fridge It stays fresh for up to three days For best texture reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth or cream so the sauce turns smooth again You can even portion and freeze individual servings for a quick lunch though the sauce thickens a bit after freezing
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken for a leaner twist For cheese feel free to use pepper jack for spice or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella If you want to skip heavy cream try half and half instead Turkey bacon also works nicely if you prefer
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette for freshness Garlic bread or breadsticks soak up any extra sauce perfectly If you want it even closer to a burger try topping with shredded lettuce tomato or extra pickles at the table
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Cultural and Historical Context
This dish is a real tribute to the all American bacon cheeseburger one of the most beloved comfort foods The flavors come together in a way that feels both classic and new Skillet pastas like this are popular for their ability to bring families to the table fast with minimal cleanup making them a modern household staple
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal as their ridges hold the creamy sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Using pepper jack cheese or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper will introduce a pleasant heat.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook components in advance and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- → What are some good garnishes for added flavor?
Chopped pickles add a nice tangy crunch, and a dollop of sour cream can enhance creaminess.