This indulgent pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—imagine the rich, cheesy goodness of Alfredo sauce colliding with the bold, savory flavors of a loaded bacon cheeseburger. Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings together crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, and tender pasta, all wrapped in a luscious Alfredo sauce. It’s a weeknight winner and a crowd-pleaser, perfect for when you want something satisfying, nostalgic, and just a little bit over the top.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or elbow macaroni
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Cheeseburger Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Add-Ins & Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup dill pickles, finely chopped (optional but highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for a burger-style tang)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later. - Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble once cooled. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor. - Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. - Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil), then reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and stir to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the crumbled bacon, ketchup, mustard (if using), and chopped pickles for that classic cheeseburger flavor. - Serve and Garnish:
Spoon the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit more cheddar on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. It also goes great with garlic bread or toasted brioche buns for a playful burger-and-pasta fusion vibe.
Would you like a spicy jalapeño version or maybe a baked casserole twist with a cheesy breadcrumb topping? I’ve got ideas to take this even further!