Description
A creamy and indulgent pasta dish loaded with ground beef and crispy turkey bacon, reminiscent of a cheeseburger.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 6 slices turkey bacon (cooked and crispy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your short pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then add in the cream cheese, stirring until it melts and combines with the beef.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Mix in the Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked pasta, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the creamy cheeseburger sauce.
- Final Touches: Chop the crispy turkey bacon and sprinkle it over the pasta. Give it a gentle toss to combine everything, and enjoy the warm, inviting aromas that fill your kitchen.
Notes
For variations, try adding barbecue sauce, veggies, jalapeños, or ranch seasoning to customize your dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg