Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender short pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce infused with savory ground beef and crispy bacon. This comforting meal mimics the classic cheeseburger experience in an easy-to-make pasta form, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni) – shorter shapes recommended for better sauce adherence
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crispy
Sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the short pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet (drain excess fat if necessary), add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the beef mixture. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the meat. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon pieces into the sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy meat sauce and the bacon is well distributed.
- Serve: Serve the loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar or freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and use reduced-fat cheeses.
- Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce better, providing a more flavorful bite.
- You can customize the seasoning with a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Find it online: https://alinacooks.com/loaded-bacon-cheeseburger-pasta-recipe/
