Beef Beef Bacon Pasta- Irresistible Flavor Explosion

Get ready for a truly spectacular meal that lives up to its name! This Beef Beef Bacon Pasta brings together hearty ground beef, crispy savory beef bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta in an incredibly rich and creamy sauce. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 8 ounces (225g) beef bacon, diced
• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced beef bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
4. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
8. Stir in most of the crispy beef bacon, reserving some for garnish.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra crispy beef bacon and Parmesan cheese, if desired.