Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

 

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta will hit the spot! Combining the best of both worlds bacon cheeseburger goodness and creamy Alfredo pasta this dish is pure indulgence in a bowl. Imagine juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender fettuccine all coated in a luscious cheese sauce. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger and pasta had the ultimate comfort food baby!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but filling.
  • Loaded with Flavor: The smokiness from the bacon, the richness from the beef, and the creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce all come together in perfect harmony.
  • Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for picky eaters or anyone who loves bacon cheeseburgers and pasta (and who doesn’t?).
  • Versatile: Want to add some veggies? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Feeling extra indulgent? Top with more cheese or even crumbled onion rings!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta: Fettuccine is perfect for holding onto all that rich sauce, but you can sub in any pasta you prefer.

For the Bacon Cheeseburger Mixture:

  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped: Adds smokiness and a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
  • 1 lb ground beef: The star protein of the dish. Ground turkey or chicken could also work if you want a lighter option.

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for a bit of garlicky flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild, smoky warmth that ties everything together.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: These elevate and balance the flavors.

For the Creamy Cheese Alfredo Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream: The base for the Alfredo sauce, making it rich and creamy.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives the sauce that classic cheeseburger flavor.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the Alfredo.

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside. The salted water gives the pasta extra flavor, which will be important once it’s mixed with the sauce.

Tip: Keep a little pasta water when you drain it—this starchy water can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick later on.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. This grease will add tons of flavor to the dish!

Tip: For extra crispy bacon, cook it low and slow. You want to render the fat and get every piece golden and crisp.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Using the same skillet (with the bacon grease), add the ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through about 7-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it from the skillet. You want the beef to be juicy but not greasy.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Once the beef is cooked, season it with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the beef absorbs all those delicious spices. This will give the beef that classic “cheeseburger” taste.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low, and add the heavy cream to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Let the cream simmer gently for a few minutes, thickening slightly. Then, slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. The cheddar will add a tangy cheeseburger-like flavor, while the Parmesan enhances the richness of the sauce.

Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, this is where you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Now for the fun part—bringing everything together! Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss it to coat every strand in that luscious, cheesy Alfredo sauce. Stir in the crispy bacon you cooked earlier, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Tip: For an extra indulgent twist, you can even stir in some chopped pickles for that true cheeseburger vibe!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate up your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta and sprinkle each serving with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Serve immediately and get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food mash-up!

Recipe Notes and Variations

  • Customizing the Protein: If you’re looking to switch things up, this recipe works great with ground turkey or chicken as well. It lightens up the dish without sacrificing any flavor.
  • Add Some Veggies: Feel free to toss in some veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
  • Spice it Up: Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle heat that complements the bacon and cheese.
  • Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This dish has everything you could want in comfort food: bacon, beef, cheese, pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce! It’s a little indulgent, a lot flavorful, and perfect for when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or for a cozy night in, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy! 🍝🍔

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Recipe by Grace
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

600 per serving

kcal
Total time

35

minutes

This flavorful pasta is packed with bacon, ground beef, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy this special occasion meal for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta

  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Bacon:
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
  • Brown the Beef:
  • In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the ground beef. Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add Seasonings:
  • Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Mix well to combine.
  • Create the Alfredo Sauce:
  • Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy cheese sauce. Stir in the crispy bacon, mixing until evenly distributed.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, cheesy dish!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories: ~600 kcal per serving

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