Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

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Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is everything you crave in a comforting dish. Imagine all the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger—smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, and sharp cheddar—wrapped into a luscious Alfredo sauce and smothered over tender pasta. It’s rich, indulgent, and ridiculously satisfying.

Perfect for cozy nights, casual dinners, or impressing guests with something irresistibly hearty, this meal hits all the right notes. Every bite is a balance of velvety cheese sauce, savory beef, crunchy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food nostalgia with pasta-night magic.

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Ingredients for this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Drain excess grease and transfer the beef to a bowl. Set aside.

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Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet (or separately), cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble or roughly chop it into small pieces.

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Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a clean saucepan or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth and creamy.

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Step 5: Add Cheeses

Once the cream base is smooth, reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until completely melted and incorporated into a silky sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and ground beef into the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

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Step 7: Finish with Bacon

Top the pasta with crumbled bacon and give it a gentle stir or sprinkle it on just before serving for an extra-crispy touch. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta fresh and flavorful:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the pasta cool completely before sealing to prevent excess moisture.
• Freezer: While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly. If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~720 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne works great, but rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni are all excellent alternatives.

2. What kind of cheese works best in this dish?

Sharp cheddar brings that classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella for extra stretch or use pepper jack for a spicy kick.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it a day in advance. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

4. Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?

You can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, lean ground beef or turkey, and reduced-fat cheeses.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Sure! Try sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach or peas stirred in at the end.

6. How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage in place of ground beef. A drizzle of hot sauce works too!

7. Is it gluten-free?

It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check labels on bacon and cheeses for gluten-containing additives.

8. What can I serve with this pasta?

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is also a favorite side!

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