Loaded Bacon Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For cooking the pasta
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
12 oz (340 g) dry pasta (like rotini, penne, or fettuccine)
→ For the beefy cheese blend
03 -
1 lb (450 g) minced beef
04 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
05 -
3 garlic cloves, crushed
06 -
6 slices of bacon, cooked and broken into bits
07 -
1 c (240 ml) heavy cream
08 -
1/2 c (120 ml) regular milk
09 -
1 c (100 g) cheddar cheese, grated
10 -
1/2 c (50 g) Parmesan, grated
11 -
2 tbsp ketchup (optional, for a burger-like taste)
12 -
1 tsp mustard (optional)
13 -
1 tsp paprika
14 -
Salt and black pepper, as needed
→ Toppings
15 -
Extra bacon bits
16 -
Sliced green onions
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a hard boil. Toss in the pasta and cook it as directed on the package until just tender. Drain, then mix with olive oil to stop it from getting sticky. Put it aside for now.
02 -
Heat your skillet on medium. Cook the mince until it's no longer pink and fully browned. If there's extra fat, pour it out. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until soft and aromatic.
03 -
Turn the stove to a medium-low heat. Add in the milk, heavy cream, mustard, ketchup, paprika, plus any salt or pepper you want. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes.
04 -
Sprinkle in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the saucepan, along with the bacon crumbs. As you mix, let the cheese completely melt and the sauce turn smooth.
05 -
Combine the pasta with the creamy sauce in the skillet, tossing it well so all the noodles are covered. Heat it gently for another minute or two.
06 -
Scoop the pasta into your serving dish. Sprinkle over some green onions and a few more bacon bits for extra flavor. Serve while it’s still warm.
# Notes:
01 -
If you love smoky flavors, try switching out regular paprika for smoked paprika or even add a dash of barbecue sauce.
02 -
You can keep it in the fridge for three days, but warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave before eating.
03 -
Ground turkey or chicken can be subbed in if you'd like something a little less heavy.