Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe with Velveeta and Bowtie Pasta

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe combines the rich flavors of Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with chilies, creating a creamy and comforting dish. The addition of bowtie noodles makes it a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 big block of Velveeta cheese (about 16 oz)
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
• 2.25 pounds ground beef
• 1 box (16 oz) bowtie noodles
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pasta water (optional, to thin the sauce)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • While the beef is browning, cube the Velveeta and cream cheese.
   • Add the cubed Velveeta, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes with chilies to a crock pot set on high.
3. Combine and Cook:
   • Once the ground beef is cooked, add it to the crock pot with the cheese mixture.
   • Stir to combine, then cover and cook on high for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the meat and cheese sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the bowtie noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
5. Finish the Dish:
   • Before serving, add the cooked bowtie noodles to the crock pot and stir to coat them in the cheese sauce.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
6. Optional Bacon Topping:
   • For an extra bacon flavor, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top before serving.
7. Serve:
   • Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon or chopped parsley if desired.

30 Secrets for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with Velveeta and Bowtie Pasta

1. Use Fresh Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
2. Pre-Cook Bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon before adding to the mixture for a crispy texture.
3. Room Temperature Cheese: Bring the Velveeta and cream cheese to room temperature before adding to the crock pot for easier melting.
4. Add Onions: Sauté onions with the ground beef for extra flavor.
5. Season the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as it cooks.
6. Mix in Mustard: Add a tablespoon of mustard to the cheese mixture for a tangy flavor.
7. Slow Cooker Liners: Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup.
8. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
9. Add Extra Cheese: For a cheesier dish, mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
10. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley or chives for a fresh, colorful garnish.
11. Use Diced Tomatoes: If you prefer less heat, use diced tomatoes instead of Rotel with chilies.
12. Add Pickles: Stir in chopped pickles before serving for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
13. Try Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
14. Add Worcestershire Sauce: Mix in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.
15. Cream of Mushroom Substitute: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different taste.
16. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
17. Crisp the Top: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes for a crispy top.
18. Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
19. Use Different Pasta: Substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.
20. Add Spice: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier dish.
21. Stir Frequently: Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even melting and prevent sticking.
22. Watch the Salt: Velveeta and cream of chicken soup are salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
23. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
24. Add Sour Cream: Stir in a dollop of sour cream at the end for a tangy, creamy finish.
25. Serve with Bread: Pair the dish with garlic bread or dinner rolls.
26. Make it Creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream if you prefer a creamier sauce.
27. Add Crushed Crackers: Top the dish with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
28. Use Low-Fat Options: Substitute with low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat Velveeta if desired.
29. Layer with Cheese: Layer the noodles and sauce with extra cheese for a lasagna-like effect.
30. Leftover Makeover: Use leftovers in a casserole or as a topping for baked potatoes.

30 Most Popular Questions and Their Answers for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf with Velveeta and Bowtie Pasta

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Answer: Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any meltable cheese.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Answer: Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate. Reheat in the crock pot before serving.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Answer: Yes, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
4. What if I don’t have a crock pot?
   • Answer: You can cook the mixture on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is melted.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   • Answer: Yes, adding sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions can enhance the flavor and texture.
6. How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?
   • Answer: Keep the heat on low and stir frequently to ensure even melting and prevent the cheese from curdling.
7. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   • Answer: Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe.
8. What type of pasta works best?
   • Answer: Bowtie pasta is great, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.
9. Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot?
   • Answer: Yes, cook the pasta separately and add it to the crock pot just before serving.
10. Can I use a different type of soup?
    • Answer: Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken.
11. How do I make the dish spicier?
    • Answer: Add more Rotel, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
12. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • Answer: Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
13. Can I add bacon on top?
    • Answer: Yes, crumbled cooked bacon can be added on top before serving for extra flavor.
14. How do I thin the sauce if it’s too thick?
    • Answer: Add reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
15. Can I add pickles to the dish?
    • Answer: Yes, chopped pickles can be added for a tangy flavor reminiscent of a cheeseburger.
16. Should I drain the Rotel tomatoes?
    • Answer: No, use the Rotel tomatoes with their juices to add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
17. Can I add extra cheese on top?
    • Answer: Yes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and broil for a few minutes for a cheesy crust.
18. What if my sauce is too runny?
    • Answer: Let the sauce cook a bit longer in the crock pot, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.
19. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
    • Answer: Yes, low-fat or fat-free cream cheese can be used, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
20. How long does it take to cook?
    • Answer: The mixture cooks in the crock pot on high for about 1.5 hours, but cooking times may vary.
21. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    • Answer: Use dairy-free cheese and cream cheese alternatives, and a dairy-free cream soup substitute.