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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

A rich, comforting pasta dish inspired by classic bacon cheeseburgers—savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheddar sauce tossed with tender pasta.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanKeyword: loaded bacon cheeseburger pastaServings: 4–6 servings

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz short pasta penne, rotini, or shells
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Meat & Flavor Base
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • Optional Burger Twist
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard or 1–2 tbsp pickle relish optional

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add onion to the beef and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add milk and cream, stirring gently until smooth.
  6. Gradually stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Add cooked pasta and chopped bacon. Toss to coat evenly.
  8. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  9. Remove from heat. Stir in mustard or pickle relish if using. Serve warm.