Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

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Get ready to meet your next comfort food obsession—Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. This dish is a savory celebration of everything we crave in a hearty meal: tender pasta smothered in rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and a generous touch of melted cheese. It’s like combining your favorite cheeseburger with your go-to pasta night in the most indulgent, mouthwatering way possible.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience. The smoky crunch of bacon adds depth to the juicy beef, while the velvety Alfredo sauce wraps every piece of pasta in cheesy luxury. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

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Ingredients for this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

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Step 2: Fry the Bacon

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.

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Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

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Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Let it warm for 2-3 minutes, then gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy cheeseburger sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated and warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with the crispy bacon and optional red pepper flakes or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy that melty, meaty goodness!

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Storage Instructions

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between intervals. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note these values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 650 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even macaroni all work well. Choose one that holds sauce nicely.

2. What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby can also melt beautifully and add their own twist to the flavor.

3. Is there a lighter version of this dish?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, use lean ground beef or turkey, and opt for reduced-fat cheese.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store the sauce and pasta separately for the best texture when reheating.

5. What should I serve with it?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great companions to this rich pasta dish.

6. How do I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the beef or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes with the cheese sauce.

7. Can I skip the bacon?

Sure, but the bacon adds great texture and a smoky note. You can replace it with turkey bacon or leave it out completely.

8. What’s the best way to reheat it without drying it out?

Add a splash of cream or milk and reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy.

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