Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mash-up: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. This dish takes everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger — the savory beef, melted cheese, smoky bacon — and spins it into a creamy, dreamy pasta dinner that hits all the right notes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent, or for weekends when you’re craving a dish that’ll satisfy the whole crew.
Imagine tender penne pasta wrapped in a velvety Alfredo sauce, with crumbles of seasoned ground beef and crispy bacon throughout, then topped with melted cheese that pulls with every forkful. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you serve it as a fun twist on pasta night or a crowd-pleaser at a gathering, this dish is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Once cooked, remove excess grease if needed and set beef aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let it cook for 4–5 minutes, then gradually stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until smooth and melted.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and ground beef into the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat every piece evenly. Mix in half of the crumbled bacon. Let it simmer on low for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors marry together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to bowls or a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot and enjoy the loaded, cheesy goodness!
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers of your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce, and warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 690
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brands and serving sizes used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne holds the sauce well, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells would work great too.
2. What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?
You can use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and meat ahead, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s not spicy as written, but you can add red pepper flakes or spicy cheese to turn up the heat.
5. Can I make this dish without bacon?
Definitely. It won’t be “loaded,” but it’ll still be a rich and cheesy Alfredo pasta with beef.
6. How do I make it lighter?
Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
7. Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, the cheese sauce will thicken slightly. Just stir in a bit of milk when reheating to bring it back to creamy.
8. What sides go well with this?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies are great companions to balance the richness.
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