Description
This loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta is a creamy, cheesy one-pan dinner made with ground beef, crispy bacon, tender pasta shells, and classic burger-inspired flavor. It is easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
8 ounces medium pasta shells
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups beef broth
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons diced dill pickles, optional
2 tablespoons sliced green onions, optional
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large deep skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet and carefully discard the rest.
3. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the beef mixture is evenly coated.
6. Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the pasta shells. Bring to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Add a small splash of broth or milk if the skillet looks too dry.
8. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in half of the cooked bacon.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
10. Finish with the remaining bacon, diced pickles, green onions, and parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Shell pasta works best because it holds the cheesy sauce really well.
For the smoothest sauce, shred the cheddar cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
Save some of the bacon to add on top at the end so it stays crisp.
Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to loosen the sauce.
For extra cheeseburger flavor, top each serving with diced pickles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American