Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again
Why make this recipe
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and delicious meal that satisfies your cravings. With the combination of ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, it brings the classic cheeseburger flavors into a fun pasta dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or whenever you want something quick and tasty.
How to make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crispy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the short pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to mix the spices with the meat.
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Make it creamy: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until it melts and combines with the meat.
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Mix in the cheese and pasta: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the cheesy mixture.
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Add bacon: Chop the crispy bacon and mix it into the pasta. Save some for topping if you like.
How to serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Serve the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta warm, topped with extra bacon and a sprinkle of cheese. You can also add freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of color and flavor.
How to store Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
Tips to make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy for the best texture.
- You can use any type of short pasta, but stick to shapes like penne or rotini for better sauce coverage.
- For extra flavor, add some chopped onions or bell peppers when cooking the beef.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy, bacon-flavored pasta is usually a hit with kids.
3. Can I freeze the pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the short pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to mix the spices with the meat.
- Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until it melts and combines with the meat.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the cheesy mixture.
- Chop the crispy bacon and mix it into the pasta. Save some for topping if you like.
