Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo

Craving the comforting flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger and the creamy richness of Alfredo pasta This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta recipe brings together the best of both worlds for a hearty skillet dinner the whole family loves The smoky bacon and melted cheeses create a luscious sauce that coats every bite of tender penne for a weeknight meal that tastes like pure comfort food

I made this on a rainy night when my family wanted something decadent and it instantly became a Saturday night favorite The leftovers disappeared before lunch the next day

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides rich savory flavor Choose 80 percent lean for the juiciest results
• Bacon: adds smoky crunch Fry until crisp then crumble for easy mixing
• Penne pasta: holds all the creamy sauce Look for pasta with ridges for extra sauce cling
• Heavy cream: gives an ultra luscious base for the Alfredo sauce Double check for freshness and full fat
• Shredded cheddar cheese: delivers that classic all American cheeseburger taste Use sharp cheddar for more bite
• Shredded mozzarella: melts smoothly for stretch and creaminess Pick whole milk mozzarella if possible
• Grated Parmesan cheese: deepens the flavor of the sauce Freshly grated works best for smoother melting
• Garlic powder: offers gentle heat and a craveworthy aroma Make sure your garlic powder is bright white for freshness
• Onion powder: balances the richness of the beef Seek a brand with no clumping
• Paprika: adds color and a mild smokiness Use sweet paprika not hot
• Salt and pepper to taste: brings everything into balance Season as you go for best flavor
• Unsalted butter: builds richness in the sauce and lets you control the salt
• Olive oil: for browning the beef Choose a fruity extra virgin oil for a savory boost
• Chopped parsley optional: adds a fresh herby finish Flat leaf parsley has the most flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a full rolling boil Add the penne and stir well so it does not stick Cook for about nine to eleven minutes just until al dente meaning the pasta is tender but with a little chew Drain thoroughly and set aside The salted water is key for seasoning the pasta from the inside out

Cook the Beef:

In a spacious skillet warm the olive oil over medium heat Once shimmering add the ground beef and immediately sprinkle in the garlic powder onion powder paprika plus a generous pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper Using a wooden spoon break the beef into pieces and let cook undisturbed for two or three minutes for good browning Stir occasionally to let all sides brown evenly until no pink remains and the beef is fully cooked About eight to ten minutes total Remove the beef to a plate and keep the skillet for the sauce

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

With the skillet still warm add the unsalted butter and let it melt fully on medium heat Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently Scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan Bring to a gentle simmer not a hard boil Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while whisking constantly so no lumps form Keep whisking for three to four minutes until the sauce is thickened smooth and coats the back of a spoon

Combine Ingredients:

Add the drained penne pasta straight into the sauce Stir for one or two minutes so every piece gets coated and absorbs some creamy flavor Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet Toss in the crumbled bacon and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella Stir everything together patiently over low heat just until the cheddar and mozzarella are fully melted The sauce should be glossy and everything well incorporated

Serve:

Spoon the loaded pasta into serving bowls or pile high on a serving platter For a fresh note scatter with finely chopped parsley Serve piping hot and watch the cheese pull with every bite

Pin

My favorite ingredient is sharp cheddar cheese It balances the richness and gives that unmistakable cheeseburger kick I once added double cheddar for a party and my family could not get enough This dish reminds me of family movie nights when we needed a meal that felt special and fun

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be cooled then kept in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator If the sauce seems thick after chilling just stir in a splash of milk or cream before reheating Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring every minute for even heating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey for the beef or use cooked chicken instead Smoked turkey bacon works well for a different spin If you do not have penne any short pasta shape like rotini or rigatoni will hold the sauce nicely Try Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella for a milder cheese pull

Serving Suggestions

Round out this comfort meal with a crisp green salad with tomato and a zesty vinaigrette Garlic bread or soft rolls are a classic pairing for mopping up any leftover Alfredo sauce For extra color add roasted broccoli or peas to the finished pasta

Pin

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe is a fun twist on two classics the bacon cheeseburger and Alfredo pasta The Alfredo sauce roots come from Italy but American cheese and bacon transform it into a distinctly cozy weeknight comfort dish You get both nostalgia and excitement in every bite

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal as its ridges hold the creamy sauce well, providing a satisfying bite.

→ How can I ensure the beef stays flavorful and tender?

Season ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper before browning to enhance taste and maintain moisture.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses used here?

A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a balance of creaminess and sharpness, but you can vary with similar melting cheeses.

→ What's the best way to get a creamy sauce without clumping?

Slowly whisk Parmesan cheese into gently simmering heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth to avoid lumps.

→ How to add crunch without changing the dish's texture?

Cook bacon until crisp and crumble it evenly to add a crunchy contrast without soaking into the sauce.