Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – An Easy Recipe For Two

Bacon cheeseburger pasta is a delicious recipe that combines the iconic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger but instead of serving individual burgers on buns, the seasoned meat is tossed with pasta. It is a great weeknight meal because it is prepared entirely on the stovetop and is ready to eat in 30 minutes!

Because of the familiar cheeseburger flavor, it is always a huge hit at dinner time. Best of all each individual serving can be topped with classic burger toppings which makes everyone happy!

It is also a versatile recipe that can be customized based on your taste and dietary preferences. For instance, if you eat a gluten-free diet you can make this delicious dinner recipe with gluten-free pasta.

And you can even enjoy this dish if you are vegetarian or vegan. Instead of using ground beef, substitute plant based crumbles.

Then switch out the bacon for artificial bacon bits. Yes, it is hard to believe but those little red bits are actually not made with any animal products.

Finally substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth and for a vegan meal use plant based cheese. As you can see, this is one of those recipes that everyone can enjoy!

Once the meal is served additional ingredients can also be added to the dish to enhance the flavor. Common burger toppings such as diced onions, pickles, or mushrooms can add additional flavor.

Although, I have also have stepped outside of the traditional toppings list and stirred in a teaspoon of peanut butter to my serving. I got this inspiration from my Classic Peanut Butter Bacon Burger and wow, it is sooooooo good!

Best Type of Ground Beef To Use

When making bacon cheeseburger pasta you want to use a ground beef that has a good balance of fat to lean meat to give the dish both flavor and moisture. Ground beef that is too lean can result in a dry and bland dish, while ground beef that is too fatty can result in a greasy and heavy dish.

In general, ground beef with a 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is a good choice for cheeseburger pasta. This means that the beef is 80% lean and 20% fat, which provides enough fat to keep the dish moist and flavorful.

You can also use ground beef with a slightly lower fat content, such as 85/15 or 90/10. Although there will be a less beefy taste, the meal will still be delicious.

No matter what type of beef that you choose be sure to brown it well so that it can gain that traditional crispiness found on the edges of burgers. Then drain off any excess fat before adding the other ingredients to the pan.

What Type of Pasta To Use

When making bacon cheeseburger pasta, it’s best to use a pasta that can hold up to the weight and texture of ground beef, sauce, and cheese. Fusilli, rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni are all great options because they have ridges or twists that can hold onto the sauce and toppings, while still maintaining a good texture.

I prefer to use rotini or penne pasta because they have a good balance between texture and surface area for holding the sauce and toppings. But ultimately, the choice of pasta is up to personal preference and what you have available in the house.

What To Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Although this meal is already a filling and hearty dish on its own, you may want to consider serving it with a side dish. There are several side dishes that compliment the flavors and textures of the pasta and stretch the dish so that you have leftovers for the next day.

1. Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or ranch dressing can add some freshness and balance to the richness of the pasta.

2. Garlic Bread: A slice of Four Cheese Garlic Bread or a side of Garlic Knots can help soak up any extra sauce and add some extra flavor to the meal.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Garlic Green Beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots can add some color and nutrition to the meal while still being a flavorful side dish.

4. Grilled Corn: Just like a side of grilled corn on the cob goes hand in hand with a burger, the same holds true here. The corn will also add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the meal.

5. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Although it is another starch who can resist the taste of French fries with a burger? Make Air Fryer French Fries or Baked Sweet Potato Fries and serve it as a side dish that I am sure will be the favorite!

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 oz penne pasta
• 1/2 lb lean ground beef
• 3 strips bacon cooked and cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, or less
• 2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

To start the bacon cheeseburger pasta you must cook the pasta first. Cook the pasta according to the package directions to al’ dente consistency. Then drain the pasta.

While the noodles are cooking brown the beef in a large skillet until fully cooked. Drain and return the beef to the skillet.

Add the cooked and crumbled bacon, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Then mix until no clumps of the cornstarch are visible. Then pour the mixture in with the cooked ground beef.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained add the pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine. Cook over medium heat until the sauce bubbles and thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little more beef broth.

To finish the dish sprinkle shredded cheeses over the top of the cheeseburger pasta mixture. Then remove the skillet from the heat and cover until cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Serve warm.

Other Types of Ground Beef and Pasta Dishes

If you are looking for some other great ground beef and pasta dishes besides this bacon cheeseburger pasta recipe I have included some of my favorite combinations below.

1. Spaghetti and Meat Sauce: This classic dish is a favorite among both kids and adults.
2. Beef Stroganoff: This creamy dish is made with ground beef, sour cream, and egg noodles. It’s a great comfort food that everyone will love.
3. Cheesy Beef and Macaroni: This dish combines ground beef, macaroni, and cheese sauce. It’s a kid-friendly dish that adults can also enjoy, especially if you add some spices or veggies to the mix.
4. Chili Mac: This hearty dish is made with ground beef, chili, and macaroni. Although you can make it in a skillet, I love to make Crock Pot Chili Mac on a busy weeknight.
5. Lasagna Skillet: This dish is a deconstructed version of the classic lasagna. Brown ground beef, add some marinara sauce and cooked lasagna noodles, and then top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy! Mary

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