Are you looking for a hearty and comforting meal that brings together the best of all worlds? Look no further than the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet! This delicious dish combines ground beef, savory bacon, and gooey cheese all mixed in with pasta, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it has all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but in a fun and unique way. Plus, with just one skillet to clean, you can focus on enjoying your meal without the hassle of a messy kitchen!
How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is well browned. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the browned beef. Stir to coat the meat evenly with the flour.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Mix in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
- Add the cooked pasta, crumbled beef bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.
- Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot. For extra flavor, feel free to top with more cheddar or additional crumbled beef bacon!
How to Serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
This dish is best served hot right out of the skillet. You can place it in bowls or just serve it family-style right from the pan. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a little splash of milk to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Tips to Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella or pepper jack can also add a tasty twist.
- For a bit of heat, you can add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Make it a veggie-packed meal by incorporating some cooked vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also use different types of pasta, such as shells or elbow macaroni.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it separately from the pasta and bacon. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of milk for a vegetarian option.
3. Can I freeze Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet?
While you can freeze the dish, the pasta may change texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or kept in the refrigerator for a few days.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta Feel free to use your preferred type of pasta.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack if desired.
- ½ cup beef bacon, cooked and crumbled Can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup milk For best results, use whole milk or a milk alternative.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour This will help thicken the sauce.
- ¼ cup ketchup Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances the overall flavor.
- to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
- to taste Black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is well browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the browned beef and stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Mix in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
Final Steps
- Add the cooked pasta, crumbled beef bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.
- Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally topped with more cheddar or additional crumbled beef bacon.
