Welcome to Comfort Food Central!
Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a hearty and indulgent dish that’s sure to please, you’re going to adore this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. This recipe brings together all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with crispy bacon in a creamy pasta dish, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Nutritional Benefits
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is not only satisfying but also provides some great nutritional perks. The ground beef gives you a solid dose of protein and iron, while using whole grain pasta can increase the fiber content. Adding vegetables like onions and tomatoes gives you essential vitamins for a well-rounded meal!
Customization Options
The flexibility of this recipe allows you to customize it to fit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:
- Protein Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option!
- Add Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
- Spice Level: For a kick, add jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mix!
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (your choice: rotini, penne, or macaroni)
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté in the bacon grease until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the beef broth, milk (or cream), and cream cheese. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired, and enjoy your delicious Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta!
Tips for Success
- Feel free to add more cheese if you want it extra cheesy!
- This dish can also be made ahead of time; simply reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of milk if it needs a little moisture.
- If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken and reducing the amount of cheese!
Let’s Dig In!
Have you tried making this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta? I’d love to hear how it turned out and any creative variations you tried! Share your experiences and connect with me for more delicious recipes. Enjoy your hearty dish!
