Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Introduction

If you love the rich flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger but also crave the cozy creaminess of Alfredo pasta, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, and tender penne pasta tossed in a velvety Alfredo sauce. Finished with gooey melted cheese, it’s an irresistible dish that bridges the best of both worlds—comforting pasta and indulgent cheeseburgers.

This recipe is hearty enough to serve as a main dish for family dinners yet easy enough for weeknight meals. It’s also versatile, meaning you can add your own twist depending on your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something decadent, this pasta dish checks all the boxes.

My recipe story

Growing up, I always looked forward to weekend cookouts where bacon cheeseburgers were a highlight. The smoky bacon, sizzling beef, and melted cheese were unbeatable. Years later, while experimenting in the kitchen, I thought—why not bring those flavors into pasta form? That’s how this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta was born.

The idea was to combine the hearty satisfaction of a burger with the creamy indulgence of Alfredo pasta. The first time I made it, it became an instant family favorite. Now it’s one of those go-to recipes when I want to serve something comforting yet impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient breakdown

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Each component plays an important role in creating that rich, indulgent flavor we all love.

The ground beef is the star of the dish, giving it that signature cheeseburger feel. Adding cooked and crumbled bacon enhances the smokiness while complementing the beef beautifully. Penne pasta is an ideal choice because its ridges hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Of course, the Alfredo sauce brings it all together. You can use homemade Alfredo for a rich, from-scratch experience, or a good-quality jarred sauce if you’re short on time. Cheese, whether cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, adds that gooey, melty finish that makes the dish irresistible. Finally, a touch of seasoning like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs ties the flavors together seamlessly.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving dish or casserole pan (optional)

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta—it will absorb some sauce later and you want it to hold its shape.

Step 2: Prepare the bacon
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and golden brown. Transfer it to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled slightly, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. This will add both texture and a smoky, savory punch to the pasta.

Step 3: Brown the beef
Using the same skillet, add ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too heavy. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine pasta, beef, and bacon
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir in the crumbled bacon and mix until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures every bite has a balance of pasta, beef, and bacon.

Step 5: Add the Alfredo sauce
Pour in your Alfredo sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. If the sauce feels too thick, you can thin it slightly with a splash of pasta water or milk.

Step 6: Melt the cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir until melted and gooey, or transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Both methods yield deliciously cheesy results.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting, indulgent flavors of your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta!

Variations & substitutions

There are plenty of ways to customize this dish to fit your taste and dietary preferences. Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Vegetarian? Use plant-based ground “meat” and veggie bacon instead. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzle with hot sauce. If you love extra cheesiness, experiment with cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack cheese. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This pasta stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. For freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly. You can also prepare the dish a day ahead and bake it right before serving for ultimate freshness.

Serving ideas & pairings

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides helps balance the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For drinks, try a chilled lager, sparkling water with lemon, or even a bold red wine. If serving at a gathering, add a platter of roasted vegetables or a simple bruschetta appetizer to round out the menu.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, rigatoni, or shells all work well for holding onto the creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can use Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even provolone for variety.

Is there a way to make this lighter?
Substitute ground turkey for beef, use turkey bacon, and choose a light Alfredo sauce.

Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers add both flavor and nutrients without overpowering the dish.

Final thoughts

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics. It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something indulgent. With easy steps, simple ingredients, and plenty of customization options, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. So the next time you’re craving something cozy yet exciting, whip up a batch—you’ll love every single bite!

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Creamy Alfredo pasta meets juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner. A family favorite!

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 cups penne pasta, cooked
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup diced onions

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for freshness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease.

3. Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked bacon crumbles.

4. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir until the beef and bacon are fully coated. Reduce heat to low.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until everything is evenly combined and coated in sauce.

6. Sprinkle in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, cheesy sauce.

7. Remove from heat and garnish with diced tomatoes and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This dish reheats well—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American