Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta Base

01 - 340 g dried penne or macaroni pasta

→ Meat & Aromatics

02 - 450 g ground beef
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Sauce & Cheese

06 - 240 ml ketchup
07 - 240 ml yellow mustard
08 - 120 ml heavy cream
09 - 120 g shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Toppings

13 - Chopped pickles, as desired
14 - Turkey bacon bits, as desired
15 - Additional shredded cheese, as desired

# Instructions:

01 - Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Add dried pasta and cook until al dente per package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking meat into small crumbles, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
04 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm heavy cream. Gradually whisk in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
05 - Set oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a large baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.
06 - In a sizeable mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta, beef mixture, ketchup, mustard, and cheese sauce together until evenly coated.
07 - Transfer the blended mixture to the prepared baking dish. Scatter additional cheese, turkey bacon bits, or chopped pickles on top as preferred.
08 - Place dish in preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese topping is bubbling and golden brown.
09 - Allow dish to cool slightly upon removal from the oven before portioning and serving.

# Notes:

01 - For enhanced flavour, use half cheddar and half mature gouda. Chop pickles finely for a tangy accent.