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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake for Comfort Food Lovers

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake brings together classic cheeseburger flavors in a comforting pasta dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz corkscrew or penne pasta Substitute with rigatoni or shells if desired
For the Meat
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce grease
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup chopped onion Substitute with shallots for a milder flavor
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Adjust to taste for a stronger garlic punch
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup tomato sauce Use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture if preferred
  • 1 cup beef broth Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter option
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Boosts umami and adds complexity
  • 1 tsp mustard Introduces a slight tang characteristic of cheeseburgers
For the Cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Swap with pepper jack for a kick
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Use Italian blend cheese for variety
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon Traditional bacon can be substituted for a richer flavor
  • Salt and pepper Essential for enhancing all flavors
  • Chopped green onions For garnish, adding freshness and color

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of corkscrew or penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  3. Once the beef is browned, add 1 cup of chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and continue stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Mix in 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp of mustard to the skillet. Reduce the heat and let this mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is fully integrated with the sauce.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup crumbled turkey bacon evenly over the top.
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it as the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
  8. After baking, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Let the bake rest for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier. Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

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