Description
A cozy and comforting one-pan meal that brings the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy pasta dish with smoky bacon and savory ground beef.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices Bacon (Cut into small pieces.)
- 1 pound Ground beef (Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.)
- 8 ounces Pasta (Best shapes include elbows, shells, or rotini.)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (Use sharp cheddar for best flavor, shredded.)
- 1 cup American cheese (For added creaminess.)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Ketchup (For burger flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Mustard (Adds sharpness.)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (For savory depth.)
- 1 tablespoon Pickle juice or relish (Start small; adds tang.)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 medium Onion (Diced, for added flavor.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced, optional.)
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes (Optional for freshness.)
Instructions
Cooking the Bacon
- Cook bacon in a deep skillet over medium heat until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, saving some for topping.
Preparing the Beef
- Brown ground beef in the same skillet, adding a spoonful of bacon drippings for extra flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or onion powder. Drain excess grease.
Building the Sauce
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pickle juice or relish. Add tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and mix well.
Cooking the Pasta
- Add broth and dry pasta to the skillet. Stir well and maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Finishing the Dish
- Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat and gradually stir in cheddar and American cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
Final Touches
- Top the pasta with reserved bacon, dill pickles or relish, and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For best results, cook bacon and beef ahead, and add cheese just before serving to keep it creamy. This dish can be frozen, but cheese texture may change; best to freeze without pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Cuisine: American