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This super cozy beef bacon cheeseburger pasta cooks up in one pan and tastes crazy good. It’s piled with gooey cheese, crispy beef bacon, and a creamy, rich sauce. My crew loves it whenever we need a quick, filling dinner that everyone actually wants to eat together on a weeknight.
The first time I put this on the table, my family just laughed and called it mac and cheese with a burger twist. Now, it’s part of our favorite weeknight dinners and never lasts long.
Savory Ingredients
- Flour: helps thicken up your sauce—go with all purpose and sprinkle it gently so it doesn’t clump
- Shredded cheddar cheese: makes the dish super creamy—sharp cheddar gives you the boldest flavor
- Milk: builds the creamy sauce—you’ll get the richest taste with whole milk but two percent is fine
- Ketchup: gives your pasta that iconic tang—pick a ketchup that’s not too sugary
- Ground beef: brings big flavor and protein—grab eighty percent lean for juicy bites
- Salt and pepper: brings all the flavors together—sea salt and fresh ground pepper really shine here
- Cooked pasta: rotini hugs the sauce but penne keeps things sturdy—cook it al dente so it holds up
- Cooked beef bacon, crumbled: delivers smoky, tasty crunch—make it extra crispy and dab dry
- Worcestershire sauce: gives that deep savory note—fancy versions just make it better
Tasty Instructions
- Finish and Serve:
- Scoop it out of the skillet while it’s piping hot for the ultimate melty bite. Crumble on extra cheese or beef bacon right before you dig in if you want even more goodness.
- Add Pasta, beef Bacon and Cheese:
- Now stir in your cooked pasta, all that crispy beef bacon, and a shower of cheddar. Keep mixing till everything’s hot, cheesy and perfectly coated.
- Season and Simmer:
- Squeeze in your ketchup, splash in the Worcestershire, then toss in your salt and pepper. Stir it up and let things bubble gently for a few minutes. This helps all the flavors meld and makes the sauce thick and dreamy.
- Build the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef and stir it around so every crumb’s coated. Slowly pour in the milk a splash at a time, stirring so it doesn’t go lumpy. Let it simmer till the sauce is shiny and just right.
- Brown the Beef:
- Start by cooking your ground beef in a big skillet over medium. Break it into pieces and keep it moving so it cooks evenly. Drain off any extra grease so your meal isn’t oily.
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The cheddar for me is a game changer. Watching it ooze through every piece of pasta is kind of addicting. My nephew calls it my 'super hero dinner' since everyone’s excited when it hits the pan.
Saving Leftovers
After you let it cool, stash any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and enjoy within three days. To reheat, toss it back in a pan with a little milk to loosen the sauce. Don’t freeze this one since the sauce gets weird after thawing.
Swap it Up
Use ground turkey or a plant-based swap if you want to lighten things up. For a spicy twist, use pepper jack instead of cheddar. Out of Worcestershire? Use a dab of soy sauce with smoked paprika and you’ll get that same deep kick.
Serving Ideas
A crunchy green salad or some roasted broccoli goes great with it for a pop of color. Sometimes I drop pickles or a swirl of mustard on top for that takeout burger vibe. Toasted buns on the side make it even more fun.
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The Backstory
People in the Midwest love this dish because it’s basically classic burger flavors and comforting pasta mashed together. It’s like a shortcut version of diner favorites but way easier on a busy weeknight. Beef bacon cheeseburgers totally inspired it, but this is more home-cooked and family-friendly.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What's the best pasta shape to use here?
Penne and rotini are great choices since they pick up lots of sauce, but elbow macaroni or shells work awesome too.
- → Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
Sure! Get it ready in advance and just warm it up when you're set to eat. A little milk added back in while reheating will keep your sauce smooth and creamy.
- → Could I swap beef for chicken or turkey?
Go for it—using ground chicken or turkey lightens things up and still tastes great with smoky bacon in this skillet.
- → Any tips to turn up the heat?
Try tossing in jalapeño bits, a dash or two of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne to boost the spice level.
- → What should I serve alongside?
Fresh salads, buttery garlic bread, or steamed veggies all go perfectly with this cheesy pasta skillet.