Western Mac & Cheeseburger Pasta

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 5 ounces bacon, chopped
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces macaroni or 8 ounces shell pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup french-fried onions
• 1 -2 tomato, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup pickle, finely chopped
• barbecue sauce, to taste

Recipe

• 1 over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until the fat renders and the bacon becomes crispy (transforming into bacon bits), about 8-10 minutes. remove with a slotted spoon, set aside and let drain on a paper towel.
• 2 using the bacon fat still in the pan, brown the ground beef. when meat is no longer pink, drain and then add salt, pepper, garlic powder & worcestershire sauce. cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until beef is cooked to your liking. i like making it kind of crispy, so i cook longer. set aside and keep warm.
• 3 in a large saucepan, cook your pasta according to package directions. al dente is best as you don't want the mac & cheese mushy. once pasta is done, drain but do not rinse.
• 4 return the warm pasta to the saucepan, and immediately add the butter, yogurt, and cheese. stir until everything is well-melted, then fold in the reserved ground beef.
• 5 put pasta in bowls, and top with sesame seeds, bacon, fried onions, tomatoes, and pickles. drizzle with a generous amount bbq sauce.