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Grab a big skillet and let’s put together a cheesy, beefy pasta that’s super cozy—a smoky kick from beef bacon, extra cheddar, creamy sauce, all bubbling together. If I’m craving major comfort but don’t want a mountain of dishes, I whip this up. Hungry faces get fed fast and cleanup can’t get easier.
The first time I served this, folks at home cracked up—they said it’s like a cheeseburger jumped into mac and cheese. Anytime I ask for dinner requests, this one always makes the shortlist.
Tasty Ingredients
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts smooth and packs each bite with sharp flavor—shred from a block for max melt
- Cooked pasta: rotini soaks up sauce just right, but penne won’t let you down—keep it on the firm side
- Ketchup: sneaks in that burger taste—choose a not-too-sweet one if you can find it
- Cooked beef bacon, crumbled: for crisp, smoky bursts—get it super crunchy and dab off extra oil
- Salt and pepper: to round out every flavor—sea salt or cracked pepper shine here
- Worcestershire sauce: adds savory depth—whatever brand you’ve got will do
- Milk: makes the sauce velvety and smooth—whole is best, 2% is still good
- Flour: helps sauce thicken—add a little at a time to dodge clumps
- Ground beef: brings the beefy base—look for 80% lean for juicy tender bites
Simple Steps
- Brown Your Beef:
- Set your skillet over medium heat and cook the beef, breaking it up as you go. Once it’s browned, drain the extra fat so things don’t get greasy.
- Get Saucy:
- With the beef in the pan, sprinkle on flour and stir to coat. Dribble in milk slowly, stirring the whole time so your sauce turns creamy and stays smooth.
- Season & Let It Bubble:
- Now, squeeze ketchup in, add Worcestershire, then toss in salt and pepper—mix well and let it all simmer gently. The flavors come together and that sauce thickens up even more.
- Mix In Pasta Beef Bacon Cheese:
- Chuck in your cooked noodles, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar—stir it around until cheese melts and pasta is covered in cheesy, beefy goodness.
- Dish It Up:
- Scoop it hot from the skillet—this is when it’s at peak cheesy pull. Top with more bacon or cheddar if you’re feeling extra.
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This dish is all about the sharp cheddar—it melts into every bite. My nephew nicknamed it my 'super hero dinner' since everyone sprints to the kitchen when they smell it cooking.
Storing Leftovers
Let it cool off a bit, then scoop into a container with a good lid. Pop it in the fridge—good for three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk so the sauce comes back to life. Freezing? Wouldn’t do it—the sauce doesn’t thaw well.
Switch Ups
If you want a lighter version, swap in ground turkey or use veggie crumbles. For a spicy twist, pepper jack instead of cheddar is awesome. No Worcestershire in the pantry? Go for soy sauce with a dust of smoked paprika for that deep, rich flavor.
Ways to Serve
Pair up with a crunchy green salad or roasted broccoli for some color. Sometimes I stack a few pickle slices on top or hit it with yellow mustard for extra burger flair. Got slider buns hanging around? Toast and serve them alongside for fun.
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A Bit of History
Midwestern cooks make this all the time—it’s like a burger joint dinner you can throw together at home, but even simpler. All those beef bacon cheeseburger flavors show up, but it’s way speedier and you only need one pan.
Common Questions
- → What kind of pasta should I use?
Penne and rotini are awesome because they grip the sauce, but you can totally use shells or elbows if you’ve got those.
- → Is it okay to prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it before, warm it up when you’re ready to eat, and add a splash of milk if things look too thick.
- → Can ground chicken or turkey be used instead of beef?
Yep! Go for turkey or chicken if you want to lighten it up—bacon still adds loads of flavor either way.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, spritz in some hot sauce, or shake in a little cayenne to kick things up.
- → What sides work well with this meal?
Pair it with fresh green salad, buttered garlic bread, or some steamed veggies—those all play nice with cheesy pasta.