This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe transforms the classic flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger into a comforting and satisfying pasta dish. Combining tender pasta shells with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, a tangy tomato-based sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a fun and effortless way to enjoy the iconic cheeseburger taste without the buns.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Second, it captures the essence of a bacon cheeseburger in every bite, blending savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese into a single, delightful dish. The dill pickle relish adds a unique tang that complements the richness of the other ingredients, elevating the flavor profile beyond a simple pasta dish.
Furthermore, this recipe is highly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as diced tomatoes, onions, or lettuce. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge, making it both economical and environmentally friendly. This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the joy of a classic American favorite to your dinner table in a new and exciting way. Finally, kids and adults alike will love it, making it a reliable option for family dinners where pleasing everyone can be a challenge.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces pasta shells
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed tomato soup
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Rinsing the pasta is optional; however, if you are not immediately combining it with the sauce, a quick rinse can prevent it from sticking together.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Set the bacon aside, but do not discard the bacon grease in the skillet just yet.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor (or drain it all and use olive oil if preferred). Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned. Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy final product.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Return the skillet with the browned ground beef to the stove over medium heat. Add the condensed tomato soup, water, ketchup, mustard, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine and Cheese
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Also, add the cooked bacon and dill pickle relish. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Make sure the heat is on low to prevent burning while mixing.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and cheesy. Continue stirring until the cheese is evenly distributed and the pasta is coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. The Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is now ready to serve. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is still melted and gooey.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it can be enhanced with a few simple side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad to add a touch of lightness and balance the richness of the pasta. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, can also complement the dish nicely. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.
For a more indulgent meal, you can top the pasta with additional shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together after draining, toss it with a little olive oil or butter.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture while it’s simmering.
- If you don’t have dill pickle relish on hand, you can use finely chopped dill pickles instead.
- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as diced tomatoes, onions, or lettuce.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to keep the pasta from drying out.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving, Estimated)
Calories: Approximately 650-750 kcal (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)
Protein: 30-35g
Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on ingredients; using low-sodium ingredients will significantly reduce this)
Conclusion
The Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing the beloved flavors of a bacon cheeseburger to a comforting pasta dish. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights and family meals. With its combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pasta shells, you can easily substitute them with other types of pasta such as elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta). The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta you choose, so be sure to follow the package directions for the best results.
Q2: Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or a commercially available plant-based ground. Omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits for a smoky flavor. Ensure that the tomato soup you use is vegetarian-friendly.
Q3: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta healthier. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content. Opt for whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content. Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, or spinach. Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and low-sodium ingredients to reduce the sodium content.
Q4: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or water to keep the pasta from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Q5: What other toppings can I add to this pasta?
A: The possibilities are endless! Some great topping options include diced tomatoes, red onions, pickles, shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. You can also add a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce, such as thousand island dressing or a spicy mayo. Get creative and customize the dish to your liking!
