Imagine combining the rich, cheesy indulgence of Alfredo pasta with the smoky, savory vibes of a loaded bacon cheeseburger. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s exactly what this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta delivers.
It’s a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish that brings together crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce over your favorite pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a family dinner that’s a little more fun, or even a casual dinner party where you want to impress without the stress.
And don’t worry—even though it sounds indulgent, it comes together quickly and easily in just one pan (well, almost). Get ready to add this to your regular rotation—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food: cheesy, creamy, and loaded with flavor.
- Perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
- Kids and adults both love it (yes, it’s picky-eater approved!).
- Easily customizable with different cheeses, pasta types, or spices.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet or frying pan
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Grater
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices of bacon, crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Using the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Add in cheddar, Parmesan, beef broth, and smoked paprika if using. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Bring It All Together: Add the cooked pasta, beef, and half of the bacon to the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. For extra flair, add a bit more shredded cheese or a sprinkle of parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations to Try
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use a spicy cheddar or pepper jack for a little heat.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for an umami boost.
- Add a handful of spinach or peas to sneak in some greens.
Pro Tips
- Cook pasta just shy of al dente if you’re letting it sit in the sauce a few minutes longer—it’ll soak up the flavors without going mushy.
- Always shred your own cheese—it melts better and gives you a creamier sauce.
- Save a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- For extra flavor, cook your beef in the bacon grease instead of draining it all away.
This pasta dish is comfort food at its finest—easy to make, seriously satisfying, and totally customizable to your mood. Bon appétit!
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a decadent, creamy dish that brings together tender pasta, crispy bacon, juicy beef, and a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special celebration!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices of bacon, crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Using the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Add in cheddar, Parmesan, beef broth, and smoked paprika if using. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Bring It All Together: Add the cooked pasta, beef, and half of the bacon to the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. For extra flair, add a bit more shredded cheese or a sprinkle of parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
