Step 1

Step 1: Cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain but do not rinse.

Step 2

Step 2: In a large skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside, reserving bacon fat.

Step 3

Step 3: Brown ground beef in the bacon fat (5-6 minutes), breaking it into small pieces. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter, then stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, add cheeses gradually, and stir until melted. Adjust thickness with pasta water if needed.

Step 5

Step 5: Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Fold in bacon (reserve some for garnish). Let simmer 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 6

Step 6: Transfer to serving dish. Top with diced tomatoes, pickles, red onion, parsley, remaining bacon, and extra cheddar. Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

Step 7

Step 1: Cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain but do not rinse.

Step 8

Step 2: In a large skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside, reserving bacon fat.

Step 9

Step 3: Brown ground beef in the bacon fat (5-6 minutes), breaking it into small pieces. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 10

Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter, then stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, add cheeses gradually, and stir until melted. Adjust thickness with pasta water if needed.

Step 11

Step 5: Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Fold in bacon (reserve some for garnish). Let simmer 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 12

Step 6: Transfer to serving dish. Top with diced tomatoes, pickles, red onion, parsley, remaining bacon, and extra cheddar. Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving.