Loaded Bacon Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 cup milk
02 - ¼ cup ketchup
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 cups cooked pasta (use rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
05 - ½ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
06 - 1 lb ground beef
07 - ¼ cup flour
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - Add salt and pepper as needed

# Instructions:

01 - Toss the ground beef into a large pan set over medium heat. Cook it thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Get rid of any extra grease once it's done.
02 - Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned meat and mix it in. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring the whole time, until it turns into a rich, thick sauce.
03 - Mix in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 2–3 minutes to bring out the flavors.
04 - Toss in the cooked pasta, bacon pieces, and shredded cheddar. Stir the mix until the cheese has melted completely, coating everything nicely.
05 - Scoop up the pasta while it's warm. Feel free to top it off with more cheese or bacon bits if you'd like!

# Notes:

01 - Craving heat? Toss in a sprinkle of chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
02 - Try swapping in cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby for a smoother bite.
03 - Prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat as needed.
04 - Leftover portions can be frozen for about a month. Reheat with a splash of milk to get that creamy texture back.