Cheesy Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Toppings (Optional):
- Dill pickles, diced
- Green onions or parsley, chopped
- Extra crispy bacon bits
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Brown the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Break it into crumbles with a spatula while cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the Flavorings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and beef broth.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the flour and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat it with the cheesy sauce.
- Stir in half of the crispy bacon, saving the rest for garnish.
7. Serve and Garnish:
- Spoon the loaded cheeseburger pasta into bowls.
- Garnish with the reserved bacon, diced pickles, and chopped green onions or parsley.
Tips:
- Customize It: Add jalapeños for a spicy twist or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and substitute milk for heavy cream.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
