This indulgent dish combines the best of both worlds: a creamy, rich Alfredo pasta with all the delicious flavors of a bacon cheeseburger. With crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, and melted cheese, it’s a comfort food lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients
For the pasta and sauce:
- 8 oz (225g) penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the bacon and beef:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Shredded lettuce (for garnish)
- Diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- Pickles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tbsp of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Cook the ground beef:
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set the beef aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta, beef, and bacon:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the cooked ground beef and crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta hot, topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles if desired for a true cheeseburger feel.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple side salad or crispy garlic bread to complete the meal.
- A cold drink like iced tea or soda will complement the rich, creamy flavors of the pasta.
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.