Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
A mouthwatering dish combining the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger with the creaminess of Alfredo pasta, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chopped pickles (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep some of the drippings in the pan.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. If there’s a lot of grease, drain some of it.
- Add the Flavors: Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring it all together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in your cooked pasta and mix until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve and Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or chopped pickles for a fun cheeseburger-style twist. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to help restore some creaminess, and heat gently on the stove. Make sure not to overcook the pasta; you want it al dente for the best texture. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste. For extra flavor, consider adding some diced tomatoes or fresh herbs.