Cooking in the Kerkhof Kitchen

 Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Remember the days of “Hamburger Helper?” Well my friends – this is as quick and easy and way better for you!!!  

 Main Ingredients:
 1 lb ground beef
 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or your favourite variety)
 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (Or use 1 Tbsp of Everything Bacon – since I did not have any bacon on hand!)

 Sauce:
 1 cup milk
 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
 1/4 cup ketchup
 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
 2 teaspoons A Spice Affair Smashed Burger Blend

 Optional Toppings:
 Diced pickles
 Sliced green onions
 Extra shredded cheese

 Directions:
 Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
 Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together milk, flour, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Smashed Burger Blend until smooth.
 Combine: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir well and cook about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
 Add Pasta & Cheese: Stir in the cooked pasta and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
 Finish with Bacon: Gently fold in the crumbled bacon (save a little for garnish if you’d like).- or stir in the Everything Bacon
 Serve & Enjoy: Spoon into bowls and top with diced pickles, green onions, or extra cheese. 

 Prep Time: 10 min |  Cook Time: 15 min |  Total: 25 min
 Serves: 4 |  Approx: 450 kcal per serving

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