### **Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta 🍝**

A delicious fusion of two comfort food favorites—cheeseburgers and pasta! This hearty dish features tender pasta combined with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and all the classic burger flavors in one satisfying skillet meal.

#### **Ingredients:**

– **8 oz** pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
– **1 lb** ground beef
– **6 slices** bacon, chopped
– **1 small** onion, finely chopped
– **2 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1 can (14.5 oz)** diced tomatoes, undrained
– **1/4 cup** ketchup
– **1/4 cup** yellow mustard
– **1 tablespoon** Worcestershire sauce
– **1/2 teaspoon** smoked paprika (optional)
– **1/2 cup** beef broth
– **1 cup** shredded cheddar cheese
– **1/2 cup** shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Pickles, chopped (optional, for garnish)

#### **Instructions:**

**1. Cook the Pasta:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the **pasta** and cook according to the 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, about 5-7 minutes.
– Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.

**3. Cook the Ground Beef:**
– In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the **ground beef** and **chopped onion**.
– Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
– Drain any excess fat.

**4. Add the Garlic and Seasonings:**
– Add the **minced garlic** to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in the **diced tomatoes** (with their juice), **ketchup**, **mustard**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **smoked paprika**, and **beef broth**.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

**5. Combine the Pasta and Cheese:**
– Add the **cooked pasta** to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
– Stir in the **shredded cheddar** and **mozzarella cheeses** until melted and creamy.
– Season with **salt and pepper** to taste.

**6. Serve:**
– Stir in the crispy bacon, reserving a bit for garnish.
– Serve the pasta hot, garnished with **chopped parsley**, extra bacon, and **chopped pickles** if desired.

### **Tips for Success:**

– **Customize Your Pasta:** Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or macaroni.
– **Enhance the Flavor:** The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness reminiscent of grilled burgers, but you can omit it if you prefer a simpler flavor.
– **Control the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer to reduce; if it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.

### **Serving Suggestions:**

– Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
– Serve with extra pickles on the side for a tangy contrast.

### **Prep Time:** 10 minutes | **Cook Time:** 20 minutes | **Total Time:** 30 minutes | **Servings:** 4

Enjoy this tasty, comforting **Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta** that brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table! 🍝