Description: A comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds: cheeseburgers and pasta! This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights or any time you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner. Imagine all the delicious flavors of a juicy cheeseburger – savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy condiments – all mixed into a creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds a nice tang)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a creamy, melty texture)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard for a more sophisticated flavor)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the salt level)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish and a touch of freshness)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, chopped red onion
Preparation:
step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the skillet.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet – this will add extra flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics: If you reserved bacon grease, leave it in the skillet. Otherwise, add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula until browned. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 5: Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the ground beef mixture. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef mixture and stir well to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for a few minutes, or until it is melted and gooey. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese, but be careful not to burn it.
Step 8: Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and top with the crumbled bacon and fresh parsley (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why you will love this recipe
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a winner for several reasons:
- It’s incredibly easy to make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- It’s a one-pan meal: Less cleanup is always a plus! Everything is cooked in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences. Use different types of cheese, pasta, or toppings to create your own unique version.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves cheeseburgers, and this pasta skillet is a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite.
- It’s comforting and satisfying: This dish is the ultimate comfort food – cheesy, meaty, and packed with flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this pasta skillet as a main course for a quick and easy dinner.
- Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, and chopped red onion, so everyone can customize their own serving.
- Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion
The Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. So, ditch the buns and try this pasta skillet for a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Some great options include Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, Gruyere for a nutty flavor, or provolone for a milder taste.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta and ground beef mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine the pasta and ground beef mixture in a skillet, add the cheese, and melt until gooey.
Q3: Can I freeze this pasta skillet?
A: While you can freeze this pasta skillet, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to add extra nutrients and flavor to this dish. Some good options include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
Q5: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this recipe healthier. You can use lean ground beef (90/10 blend), whole wheat pasta, and low-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables and reduce the amount of bacon used.
