This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta recipe blends juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese into one irresistible comfort dish. Easy, hearty, and guaranteed to impress at the dinner table.
Introduction
If a bacon cheeseburger and a bowl of Alfredo pasta had a love child, this would be it. Imagine juicy ground beef, crisp smoky bacon, creamy Alfredo sauce, and layers of melted cheese all tossed with tender pasta. That’s exactly what you get in this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta—a dish that satisfies both burger cravings and pasta dreams in one bite.
This recipe is:
- Family-friendly (kids and adults will love it)
- Hearty and filling (loaded with protein + cheese)
- Customizable (lighten it up or make it extra indulgent)
- Perfect for weeknights (ready in under 40 minutes)
Let’s dive in.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor, or leaner if preferred)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Upgrades:
- Swap cheddar for smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
- Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or jalapeños for extra layers of flavor.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Cook the bacon
In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in the pan. - Brown the beef
In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. - Make the Alfredo base
Add garlic to the pan and sauté 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cream cheese and Parmesan, whisking until smooth. - Add the pasta & cheese
Stir in the drained pasta, beef, and half the bacon. Toss well. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water. - Finish & serve
Top with remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Chef’s Tips
- Shred your own cheese – pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Crisp bacon separately – adding it too early makes it soggy in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water – it’s starchy and helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Flavor boost – add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for that true “cheeseburger” taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
Lighter Version Ideas:
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap turkey bacon and lean ground turkey.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is rich, so pair it with:
- Garlic breadsticks
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Fresh side salad with vinaigrette
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended—cream sauces tend to separate.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the cheese step, then refrigerate. Reheat gently and add cheese before serving.
Q: What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Short, sturdy pastas like rigatoni, penne, or rotini hold up best.
Q: Can I turn this into a pasta bake?
Absolutely! Transfer to a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Final Thoughts
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food fusion—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and hearty. It’s indulgent enough for weekends yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Serve it up, grab a fork, and enjoy comfort food at its finest. 🍝🍔🥓
