Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy indulgence of Alfredo pasta. With crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot or skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Family Favorite: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings or swap out ingredients to make it your own.
- Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce takes this dish to the next level with its luscious, creamy texture.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (e.g., penne or rigatoni)
- Ground beef
- Bacon
- Onion
- Garlic
- Alfredo sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Pickles (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, chop into pieces, and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the bacon to the skillet and add the Alfredo sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat and mix in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped pickles and parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Alfredo sauce is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
- Cheese Choices: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use turkey bacon, lean ground turkey, and a light Alfredo sauce for a lower-calorie version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta that holds sauce well is ideal.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce will elevate the dish even more.
What toppings go well with this pasta?
Chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of ketchup and mustard for a true burger-inspired twist.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.
What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles are excellent substitutes for ground beef.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and the bacon with vegetarian bacon.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or mix in cayenne pepper with the beef for more heat.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients to feed a larger group or save for meal prep.
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that blends familiar, comforting flavors with a gourmet twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today, and enjoy the taste of a loaded cheeseburger in every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy Alfredo sauce come together with tender pasta for a delicious and hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped parsley
- Additional shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble once cooled.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add Alfredo sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crumbled bacon.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef for a lighter option.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
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