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This beef bacon cheeseburger pasta skillet is total comfort food—think creamy sauce, smoky beef bacon, and loads of melty cheddar all in one pan. Perfect when you've got a bunch of hungry folks and not a lot of time. Anytime my family wants something filling but easy, I toss this together and everyone’s happy.
The first time I made this, everyone cracked up and called it "burger meets mac and cheese." Now nobody complains—they actually ask for it any night they get the chance because it’s become a favorite in our dinner rotation.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Milk: gives the pasta its creamy vibe, whole milk tastes richest but two percent does fine
- Flour: thickens everything up, just sprinkle it slowly so you don’t get clumps
- Ketchup: brings a sweet burger flavor, pick one that’s not too sugary
- Worcestershire sauce: adds a deep savory kick, a fancier brand makes it even better
- Salt and pepper: finishes off the dish, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper are best
- Cooked beef bacon, crumbled: gives smoky crispy bites throughout, get it nice and crunchy then drain for crunchiest texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into everything, use sharp cheese for max flavor
- Cooked pasta: rotini’s great for sauce catching but penne works too, cook to al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy
- Ground beef: delivers loads of flavor and protein, 80 percent lean keeps it juicy
Tasty Step-By-Step Directions
- Finish and Dish Up:
- Scoop straight from the pan while it’s hot and cheesy. For a little extra wow, toss extra cheddar or crispy bacon bits on top right before you serve.
- Mix in Pasta, Bacon, Cheese:
- Add your cooked noodles, crumbled beef bacon, and cheddar. Stir it so the cheese melts into everything and coats the pasta. This is the magic moment.
- Sprinkle in Seasonings and Simmer:
- Pour in ketchup and Worcestershire, then salt and pepper. Mix it all up and let it cook gently for a few minutes—just enough for the flavors to come together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the beef’s still in the skillet, shower the flour over it and stir to coat. Add the milk little by little, stirring constantly. Keep it going until you’ve got a smooth, creamy, and slightly thick sauce without any lumpy bits.
- Sear the Beef:
- Start by tossing ground beef in a big skillet over medium. Break it into crumbles as it cooks and don’t stop until all the pink’s gone. Drain off the fat so the sauce stays nice and smooth.
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The sharp cheddar just melts so perfectly—honestly, that’s my favorite part. My nephew always calls it my “super hero dinner” because everyone gets excited when they smell it cooking up.
Keep It Fresh
Let leftovers chill out until cool, then stash them in a tight-lid container in the fridge—they're good for about three days. Warm back up on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back the sauciness. Freezing isn’t great since the sauce will probably go grainy once thawed.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Go lighter with turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of beef. Craving a kick? Swap in pepper jack cheese. If you’re out of Worcestershire, a dash of soy and a pinch of smoked paprika fakes that savory flavor just fine.
Ways to Serve
Add some greens on the side, like a crispy salad or roasted broccoli. Want to pump up the burger feel? Throw on some pickle slices or a stripe of mustard. If you’ve got hamburger buns, toast those and serve them beside your pasta for a playful spin.
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How It Fits In
You’ll often find this favorite bubbling away in Midwest kitchens, mixing up iconic burger vibes and pasta comfort. It’s kind of like American diner classics but easier to toss together at home. It borrows all the flavors from a beef bacon cheeseburger but gets weeknight-friendly by going one-pan.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Which pasta type should I use for this skillet?
Penne and rotini are awesome for catching the cheesy sauce, but elbows or shells will do the trick, too.
- → Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
Totally. Cook the whole thing earlier and warm it up when you need it. Pop in a splash of milk to keep it smooth.
- → Could I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yep, both ground turkey and chicken swap in easy. They keep things lighter and taste great with the bacon.
- → What's the best way to make it hotter?
If you want some spice, toss in jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or just a pinch of cayenne as you cook.
- → What sides go well with this meal?
Pair it up with a simple salad, buttery garlic bread, or some steamed green veggies to balance the cheesy goodness.