Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the chopped beef bacon over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until crispy, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with bacon fat and brown for 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté diced onions in the same skillet for 5–7 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the short pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- In the skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk until thickened.
- Stir in sharp cheddar and cream cheese until melted into the sauce over medium-low heat.
- Mix in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, adjusting to taste.
- Combine the browned meat mixture with the cheese sauce, then add the cooked pasta and mix until coated.
- Stir in two-thirds of the crispy bacon and dill pickle relish.
- Serve garnished with remaining bacon and additional dill pickle relish.
Nutrition
Notes
For a baked version, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
