Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a delicious mash-up of two beloved comfort foods—cheeseburgers and creamy pasta. This dish takes the savory goodness of ground beef, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, then combines it with the indulgence of a velvety Alfredo sauce over tender pasta. The result is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that feels both familiar and indulgent. It is perfect for when you cannot decide between a burger or pasta, as it offers the best of both worlds in one skillet. Ideal for family dinners, game-day meals, or cozy weekends, this recipe is rich, filling, and incredibly satisfying. With layers of cheesy creaminess and a smoky, meaty bite in every forkful, Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is guaranteed to be a new favorite at the dinner table.
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta: A Comfort Food Fusion
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A decadent fusion of a classic bacon cheeseburger and creamy Alfredo pasta, loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a rich Alfredo sauce for the ultimate comfort food dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy, then remove and crumble.
- In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in butter, heavy cream, and beef broth. Simmer until sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Add cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted into the sauce.
- Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the cheesy Alfredo sauce.
- Top with crumbled bacon and garnish with green onions.
- Serve warm with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef.
- Use smoked bacon for a deeper flavor profile.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
- This dish is very rich—pair with a fresh green salad to balance.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta – Acts as the hearty base, soaking up the rich Alfredo sauce. Penne or rotini are ideal for holding the creamy sauce.
Ground Beef – Adds the classic cheeseburger flavor with its savory, juicy bite.
Bacon – Cooked until crispy, it adds smokiness and crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
Onion – Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that enhances the meat mixture.
Garlic – Infuses warmth and aromatic richness throughout the sauce.
Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the Alfredo sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
Butter – Adds richness and helps build the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the cream to create the traditional Alfredo flavor.
Cheddar Cheese – Brings the cheeseburger element into the dish with its sharp, melty goodness.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
Paprika – Adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth to the beef and sauce.
Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley gives color and brightness to balance the richness.
Pickles (optional) – Chopped pickles add tangy crunch, mimicking the toppings of a classic burger.
Directions
Begin by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove, crumble, and set aside, leaving a little bacon fat in the pan. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until browned and fragrant. Stir in garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Reduce the heat slightly and add butter, letting it melt before pouring in the heavy cream. Stir gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Mix in grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in shredded cheddar and half of the crumbled bacon.
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and optional chopped pickles for a cheeseburger-inspired finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, cooking requires 25 minutes, making the total time approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Twist – Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
BBQ Cheeseburger Pasta – Swap Alfredo sauce for a BBQ cream sauce with cheddar cheese.
Veggie Boost – Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
Different Cheeses – Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
Turkey or Chicken – Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Double Bacon – Add extra bacon or even bacon fat to the sauce for maximum smokiness.
Pickle Lovers’ Edition – Top generously with chopped dill pickles for tang and crunch.
Low-Carb Option – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Burger Topping Garnish – Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on top before serving.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead?
One-Pot Style – Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth for fewer dishes.
FAQs
Yes, but homemade sauce gives a fresher, richer flavor.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the creamy sauce well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but add the cheddar and bacon right before serving for best results.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It is not ideal, as creamy sauces can separate when thawed.
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a decadent comfort food dish that combines the creamy indulgence of Alfredo with the bold flavors of a cheeseburger. With crispy bacon, melty cheese, and hearty pasta all in one skillet, it is the ultimate fusion meal for busy nights or when you want something truly satisfying. Customizable and family-friendly, this recipe proves that two comfort food favorites are even better together.