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
- 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.
- 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.
- Simultaneously, boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, add minced garlic and butter. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, stirring continuously. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate parmesan and cheddar cheeses into the creamy sauce, whisking until smooth and fully melted.
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is generously coated.
- Gently mix in crumbled bacon and cooked ground beef, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- 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