Ingredients
12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your choice)
1 lb ground beef
6 strips bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Brown the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned.
Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Lower the heat and add the beef broth, heavy cream, milk, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and smoked paprika (if using) until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Toss in half of the crispy bacon and mix well.
Serve and Garnish:
Top the pasta with the remaining crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6