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## **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making One-Pan Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake**
Now that you’re familiar with the key ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making the **One-Pan Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake**. This process is straightforward and easy, ensuring that your meal will be ready in no time.
### **Step 1: Prepare the Bacon**
1. **Cook the Bacon**: Start by cooking the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once it’s cool, chop the bacon into small pieces.
### **Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef**
2. **Cook the Ground Beef**: In the same skillet that you cooked the bacon in, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. **Season the Beef**: Once the beef is browned, season it with **salt**, **pepper**, and **paprika**. You can also add other seasonings of your choice at this point, such as **onion powder** or a dash of **Worcestershire sauce** for extra depth of flavor.
### **Step 3: Add the Vegetables**
4. **Cook the Onions and Garlic**: Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
### **Step 4: Prepare the Pasta**
5. **Cook the Pasta**: While the beef and vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
### **Step 5: Combine the Ingredients**
6. **Mix the Ingredients**: Once the beef, bacon, onions, and garlic are ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Pour in the **BBQ sauce** and stir to coat the mixture evenly.
7. **Add the Cheese**: Stir in about **2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese** and **1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese**. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and becomes gooey and combined with the BBQ sauce.
### **Step 6: Bake the Pasta**
8. **Assemble the Bake**: Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Sprinkle the top of the pasta mixture with an additional **1 cup of shredded cheese**.
9. **Bake**: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
10. **Garnish and Serve**: Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the chopped bacon and, if desired, some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
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## **Tips for Perfect One-Pan Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake**
While this recipe is simple, here are a few tips to help you make sure it turns out perfectly every time:
### **1. Use a Heavy-Duty Skillet**
Since this is a one-pan recipe, it’s important to use an oven-safe skillet that can withstand high heat. A cast-iron skillet or a large, deep oven-safe pan works well.
### **2. Customize the BBQ Sauce**
BBQ sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, so don’t be afraid to use your favorite brand or even make your own homemade sauce. You can make it spicy, tangy, or sweet depending on your preferences.
### **3. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor**
If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding some bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the mix. These vegetables will complement the smoky flavors of the bacon and BBQ sauce.
### **4. Make It Spicy**
If you love a little heat, consider adding a teaspoon of **cayenne pepper**, **red pepper flakes**, or a few dashes of **hot sauce** to the pasta mix for an extra kick.
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## **Conclusion**
The **One-Pan Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake** is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a cheeseburger with the hearty goodness of pasta. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to suit your tastes, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich, smoky flavor, creamy cheese, and savory bacon, this pasta bake is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
So, grab your skillet, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, one-pan meal that everyone will love!
