Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
A Creamy, Meaty, Ultra-Comforting One-Pan Dinner
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the kind of dish that doesn’t apologize for being indulgent. It takes all the bold, savory flavors of a classic American cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese—and folds them into a luxurious Alfredo sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The result is a rich, crave-worthy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you want serious comfort food.
This recipe is hearty, filling, and endlessly customizable. It’s also surprisingly simple to make, even though it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Pasta
- 450 g (1 lb) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Salt for boiling water
For the Bacon Cheeseburger Base
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional but recommended)
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For Topping and Garnish
- Extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Al dente pasta is important because it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in such a rich dish.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 6–8 minutes.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel–lined plate. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for flavor, discarding the excess.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the same pan with the bacon fat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes.
Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add the Worcestershire sauce and mustard, stirring well to coat the meat. These ingredients replicate classic cheeseburger flavor and add depth to the dish.
Once cooked, remove excess grease if needed, leaving just enough to keep everything flavorful.
Step 4: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell savory, not bitter.
At this stage, your kitchen will smell like a sizzling bacon cheeseburger.
Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt completely.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—do not boil. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Follow with the shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg if using.
The sauce should be creamy, thick, and glossy. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Bacon
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece in the creamy Alfredo.
Stir in most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for topping. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
At this point, the dish should be rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, with visible bits of beef and bacon throughout.
Step 7: Make It “Loaded”
To make it truly loaded, sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top and cover the pan for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey layer.
Finish with the reserved bacon, chopped parsley, or green onions for freshness and contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta hot, straight from the pan. It pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Pickles or pickled onions (surprisingly great contrast)
- Ice-cold soda or beer
This dish is rich, so smaller portions go a long way.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- BBQ Cheeseburger Pasta: Swap mustard for BBQ sauce.
- Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
- Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is everything comfort food should be: bold, creamy, satisfying, and unapologetically indulgent. It combines familiar flavors in an exciting way and delivers a dish that feels both nostalgic and over-the-top.
This is not a light meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, perfect for when you want something filling, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.