One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Dinner

When the weather's too chilly to grill burgers, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy.

Average Rating: 4

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Cook: 35 min.
YIELD: 12 servings

8 bacon strips, chopped
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 large red onion, chopped
12 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/3 cup chopped dill pickle
Chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced pickles and sliced red onion, optional

1. In a 6-quart stockpot, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings.
2. In the same pot, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking into crumbles, 6-8 minutes; drain. Add the next 10 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 cup cheese, pickle and bacon; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Serve with remaining cheese and, if desired, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles and red onions.