Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy pasta dreams meet hearty bacon cheeseburger flavors in this loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta that promises pure comfort.

Crispy bacon bits dance alongside melted cheese and tender pasta noodles.

Indulgence takes center stage with every forkful of this mouthwatering dish.

Rich alfredo sauce coats each strand, creating a decadent experience that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

Comfort food enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this innovative recipe that combines classic burger elements with classic pasta perfection.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that satisfies serious cravings.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible culinary creation.

Why Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Is A Winner

  • Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms seemingly challenging steps into a straightforward cooking adventure that even novice chefs can master with confidence.
  • Maximize Flavor Fusion: Combining crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce creates an irresistible taste combination that guarantees satisfaction in every single bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings where hearty, delicious meals bring people together with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal ingredients and streamlined cooking techniques mean you can prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy households craving a delectable dinner solution.

What You Need For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

For the Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein to the pasta dish.
  • Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky element that enhances the overall taste.
For the Dairy and Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melt into a smooth, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce texture.
For the Aromatics and Garnish:
  • Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Green Onions: Offer a fresh, light garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.
For the Pasta and Seasonings:
  • Penne Pasta: Serves as the main carbohydrate base of the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

How To Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy, around 6-7 minutes. Move bacon to paper towels and crumble into small pieces.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly bits. Season with salt and pepper during cooking for about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Boil penne pasta in salted water following package directions until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Lower skillet heat to medium-low, add garlic and butter. Gently cook for 30-45 seconds until wonderfully aromatic, avoiding burning.

Step 5: Create Creamy Base

Pour heavy cream and milk into skillet, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Goodness

Blend parmesan and cheddar cheeses into the creamy sauce, whisking until completely smooth and melted.

Step 7: Combine Pasta

Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets luxuriously coated.

Step 8: Add Meat Mixture

Gently mix crumbled bacon and cooked ground beef into pasta, distributing evenly throughout.

Step 9: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving for a bright, fresh touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately while steaming hot, savoring the rich and decadent flavors of this loaded pasta creation.

Helpful Notes For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • Crisp Bacon Technique: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat completely, ensuring maximum crispiness without burning.
  • Meat Seasoning Strategy: Add salt and pepper directly while browning ground beef to enhance deep, layered flavor profile throughout the dish.
  • Pasta Perfection Trick: Boil penne in heavily salted water and remove just before fully cooked to achieve ideal al dente texture that absorbs sauce beautifully.
  • Sauce Smoothing Hack: Whisk cheeses gradually into warm cream mixture to prevent clumping and create silky, uniform cheese sauce consistency.
  • Quick Serving Recommendation: Plate and garnish immediately after mixing to maintain optimal temperature and prevent sauce from cooling and thickening too quickly.

Tasty Options For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra garlic and herbs for deeper flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or corn. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Include corn kernels and black beans for extra southwestern flair.
  • Light Cream Alternative: Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories. Add more parmesan for richness while keeping the dish lighter.

Best Pairings For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • Enhance Bacon Beef Penne Pasta Pairing
  • Sip Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel with strong tannins that complement the rich, meaty flavors and cut through the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Craft Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette and lemon zest to balance the heaviness of the pasta, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
  • Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast artisan sourdough or baguette slices with garlic butter and herbs, creating the perfect crunchy side to soak up excess cheese sauce and add textural contrast.

How To Store Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Right

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Will keep well for 2-3 months.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of milk or cream to refresh sauce.

Common Questions About Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like rigatoni, shells, or rotini to match your preference.

  • Is it possible to make this dish less fatty?

Certainly! Use lean ground beef, turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheeses, and replace heavy cream with half-and-half to cut down on calories and fat content.

  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off direct heat and whisk slowly, ensuring the temperature is low to medium to create a smooth, creamy consistency without separation.

  • Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the components separately and combine just before serving. Store bacon, beef, and pasta individually in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to assemble.

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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta, blending classic American diner flavors with creamy Italian-style sauce. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and juicy ground beef elevate this hearty dish that satisfies deep hunger and culinary cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Base:

  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and perfectly rendered, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In the same skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbly texture. Season with salt and pepper while cooking, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  3. Simultaneously, boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, add minced garlic and butter. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, stirring continuously. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
  6. Incorporate parmesan and cheddar cheeses into the creamy sauce, whisking until smooth and fully melted.
  7. Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is generously coated.
  8. Gently mix in crumbled bacon and cooked ground beef, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the pasta.
  9. Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and creamy, enjoying the rich, indulgent flavors of this loaded pasta dish.

Notes

  • Perfectly render bacon slowly to maximize crispiness and extract maximum flavor without burning.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich meaty texture.
  • Select al dente pasta to prevent mushiness and ensure ideal sauce absorption.
  • Temper cheese gradually into sauce to prevent clumping and create silky smooth consistency.
  • Consider gluten-free penne for celiac or wheat-sensitive diners without compromising taste.
  • Swap traditional dairy for lactose-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Control salt levels by using low-sodium bacon and measuring seasonings carefully.
  • Prepare components separately to streamline cooking process and maintain optimal ingredient temperatures.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 704
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1080 mg
  • Fat: 49 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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