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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – Cheesy, Meaty & Totally Comforting!

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Yields: 6-8 generous servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Intensities

  • Difficulty: Easy (2/5 – involves multi-tasking but no advanced techniques)

  • Time Commitment: Medium (2/5 – active cooking for the duration)

  • Prep Intensity: Low (1/5 – simple chopping and measuring)

  • Cleanup: Medium (2/5 – you’ll use a skillet and a pot)

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven

  • 1 Large Pot for Pasta

  • Colander

  • Whisk

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

  • Tongs

  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Meat:

  • 1 lb (16 oz) Fettuccine, Linguine, or Penne Pasta

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for flavor)

  • 6 slices Thick-Cut Bacon, chopped

  • 1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder

  • ½ teaspoon Paprika

  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Alfredo Sauce:

  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) Unsalted Butter

  • 2 cups Heavy Cream

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)

  • Salt and White Pepper, to taste (black pepper is fine)

For the “Loaded” Toppings:

  • ½ cup Dill Pickle Chips, roughly chopped

  • ¼ cup Diced Roma Tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, chopped

  • Optional Extras: Shredded iceberg lettuce, a drizzle of burger sauce or ketchup.

Instructions

Step 1: The Bacon & Beef Foundation

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, in your large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

Add the ground beef and diced onion to the hot bacon fat. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. In the last minute, add the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease, if desired, but leaving a little adds flavor. Season the beef with the onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the beef is browning, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This is a chef’s secret for adjusting the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Alfredo Sauce

Push the cooked beef mixture to the sides of the skillet, creating a clear space in the center. If the skillet seems dry, add the ¼ cup of butter to the center and let it melt. Add the additional 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and add the optional nutmeg. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, whisking to combine it with the butter and garlic. Do not boil vigorously.

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it, too, is melted and incorporated. You should now have a unified, creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping the beef mixture.

Step 4: The Grand Unification

Add the drained, cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the meat and sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in the cheesy, meaty goodness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the water will help the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.

Step 5: The Final Loaded Assembly

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in most of the reserved crispy bacon and half of the chopped chives.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Divide the pasta among bowls. This is where the “loaded” concept comes to life. Top each serving generously with the chopped dill pickles, diced tomatoes, the remaining crispy bacon, and a final sprinkle of fresh chives. For the full burger experience, offer small sides of shredded iceberg lettuce and a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce for guests to add at the table.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken significantly when cold.

  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Stir frequently. The microwave can be used but may cause the sauce to separate slightly; heat in short intervals and stir well.

  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which can become grainy and separate upon thawing.

Customization & Tips

  • Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Smoked Gouda would add a fantastic smoky depth, while a Monterey Jack blend would increase the meltability.

  • Pasta Shape: While long pasta is classic, short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells are excellent for trapping the meat and sauce.

  • “Special Sauce” Swirl: Create a quick burger sauce by mixing ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon relish, and a teaspoon of yellow mustard. Drizzle this over the finished pasta for an authentic burger flavor.

  • Don’t Use Pre-Shredded Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, always grate your own Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.

  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Sautéed sliced mushrooms or a handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end would be delicious additions.

Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: The following nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe

  • Servings Per Recipe: 6

  • Calories: ~850

  • Total Fat: 52g

    • Saturated Fat: 29g

  • Cholesterol: 185mg

  • Sodium: 980mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g

    • Dietary Fiber: 3g

    • Sugars: 6g

  • Protein: 35g

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of indulgence. It takes two beloved comfort food classics and merges them into one unforgettable, family-friendly meal. It’s the culinary equivalent of your favorite jeans and a cozy sweater—familiar, satisfying, and always the right choice. So, skip the drive-thru and the fancy restaurant, and create this epic, cheesy, meaty masterpiece in your own kitchen.

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