Growing up in my Italian-American kitchen, pasta nights were sacred. But every so often, we’d stray from tradition—especially when Nonna wasn’t watching—and bring a little modern-day magic to the table. This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is just that: a hearty, creamy, flavor-packed twist that fuses two comfort food legends into one unforgettable dish.
Picture this: the juicy savor of a bacon cheeseburger, mingling with silky Alfredo sauce, and clinging to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s indulgent, it’s bold, and it’s ready to become your family’s new favorite dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Combines two favorites: burgers and pasta
- Rich and creamy Alfredo with the savory depth of beef and bacon
- One-pot meal (less cleanup!)
- Perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving serious comfort food
Ingredients
Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)
Cheeseburger Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 for flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds tang, trust me!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled bacon
- Extra cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Pickle slices (don’t knock it till you try it!)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Bacon Cheeseburger Base
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Add olive oil if needed, then sauté onions until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and half of the cooked bacon.
3. Whip Up the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet or a clean saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and milk, simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan and cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture.
- Pour Alfredo sauce over and mix gently until everything is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Sprinkle remaining bacon on top.
5. Serve Hot and Loaded
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and dig in immediately!
Tips and Variations
- Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it lighter: Use turkey instead of beef, and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetarian option: Use plant-based meat and skip the bacon—or try a smoky tempeh alternative!
Why It Works
This dish balances the rich umami of beef and bacon with the creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce. The cheddar adds a cheeseburger vibe, while the pasta holds onto every drop of sauce. It’s comfort food turned up to 11.
Pairing Suggestions
- A chilled glass of Chardonnay balances the richness
- Or go classic: a cold craft beer with some bite
Share the Love
Tried this recipe? Snap a pic and tag it with #ComfortWithSarah on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations!