Description
Lightened Up Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta is your new favorite comfort food, combining the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, satisfying pasta dish. This quick and easy recipe features smoky bacon, lean ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed with whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a delicious way to create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- In a separate pan, fry chopped bacon until crispy (4-5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Reduce heat in the meat mixture and stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt along with shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce; add reserved pasta water if needed for desired creaminess. Mix in crispy bacon before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider sautéing bell peppers or jalapeños with the onions. Swap ground turkey for beef for a lighter protein option. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.