Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Name: Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Lisa

Writer & Blogger

Dinner
April 14, 2025

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta: A Decadent Fusion of Comfort Classics 🍔🍝🧀🔥

1. Introduction

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup that will satisfy your entire family, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta recipe is your dream come true! Combining the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce with the bold, savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of both worlds. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need something quick yet impressive, or for those weekend indulgences when you want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you love hearty dinner recipes that pack a flavor punch, this is one you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

2. Ingredients

What makes this loaded bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta so special is the combination of simple ingredients that work together to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (penne works great for holding the sauce)
8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (quality bacon makes all the difference)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness – check out our beef recipes for more ideas)
1 small onion, diced (yellow or white both work well)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for maximum flavor)
1 cup heavy cream (for that luxurious Alfredo texture)
1 cup whole milk (helps create the perfect sauce consistency)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the powdered kind)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (the secret flavor booster)
1 tsp smoked paprika (adds depth and a hint of smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste (season as you go for best results)
Fresh parsley for garnish (adds color and freshness)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is crucial as it seasons the pasta from within. Add your pasta of choice (fettuccine or penne both work wonderfully) and cook according to package instructions until al dente – you want it to still have a slight bite as it will continue cooking in the sauce later. Pro tip: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will help create the perfect sauce consistency later. If you’re looking for more baking and cooking tips, check out our other resources.

Pasta noodles boiling in a pot for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heating) over medium heat. Add your chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of crispiness – about 6-8 minutes should do it. The bacon fat will render out, creating the perfect cooking medium for the beef. Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon bits and let them drain on paper towels, but leave that flavorful bacon fat in the pan – it’s packed with flavor that will infuse the entire dish. As the famous Chef Dominique Crenn says, “Bacon fat is liquid gold in the kitchen”.

Crispy bacon strips frying in a pan for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Now it’s time to build those deep, meaty flavors. Add the ground beef to the same skillet with the bacon fat (no need to clean it – those browned bits equal flavor!). Cook over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to break the beef apart into small crumbles. When the beef is about halfway cooked (some pink still remaining), add your diced onions and minced garlic. This timing allows the onions to soften and sweeten while the beef finishes browning. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent and fragrant. The combination of beef, bacon, onions and garlic creates an incredible flavor base for our Alfredo sauce. If you’re curious about my cooking philosophy, I always believe in building flavors layer by layer.

Ground beef and onions cooking in a skillet for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens! Reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent the dairy from curdling. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the Worcestershire sauce (this adds umami depth) and smoked paprika (for that subtle smokiness). Now comes the cheesy goodness – gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. The sauce should become smooth and velvety. If it seems too thick (it will thicken as it cools), add some of that reserved pasta water a quarter cup at a time until you reach the perfect coating consistency. This is where many cooking students I’ve worked with find the technique most valuable.

Creamy Alfredo sauce coating pasta for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

The grand finale! Add the cooked pasta and most of the crispy bacon (save some for garnish) to the skillet, gently tossing everything together until each strand of pasta is beautifully coated in the luscious sauce. The heat from the pasta and sauce will help everything come together into one harmonious dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent (which you absolutely should be), sprinkle some extra cheese on top. Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad to balance the richness.

4. Cooking Tips

After making this loaded bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta countless times (it’s a family favorite!), here are my professional tips for perfect results every time:

Meat Blend: For extra flavor complexity, use a 50/50 blend of ground beef and Italian sausage – the fennel in the sausage adds wonderful depth
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a slightly lighter version (though I recommend going all-in for special occasions)
Sauce Consistency: Always have that reserved pasta water ready – if your sauce thickens too much as it sits, a splash will bring it back to perfect creaminess
Resting Time: Let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach optimal consistency
Cheese Quality: Always grate your own cheese if possible – pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy

5. Serving Suggestions

While this loaded bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta is spectacular on its own, here are some perfect pairings to round out your meal:

Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with ranch dressing or balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness
Bread: Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce
Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and nutrition
Beverages: A cold beer (lager or IPA) or crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc) balances the richness
Starters: Begin with a light soup if serving as part of a multi-course meal

6. Storage and Reheating

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to handle leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess (microwaving can make the sauce separate)
Freezing: Not recommended – the dairy-based sauce doesn’t freeze well and may become grainy when thawed
Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the bacon and beef mixture ahead of time, then simply make the sauce and combine when ready to serve

7. Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 720
Fat: 42g (of which saturated fat: 22g)
Carbohydrates: 48g (including 3g fiber, 4g sugar)
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 890mg

While this is certainly an indulgent dish, you can lighten it up by using lean ground beef, reducing the cheese slightly, and adding more vegetables. Balance it with lighter meals throughout the day or week. For healthier options, check out our chicken recipes section.

8. Variations

One of the best things about this loaded bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños when cooking the onions, or stir in red pepper flakes to taste
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and plant-based crumbles
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (the sauce is naturally gluten-free)
Extra Cheesy: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese when making the sauce for ultra-creamy texture
Breakfast Twist: Top with a fried egg for a decadent brunch option – see our breakfast ideas for more inspiration
Italian Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean flair

9. Conclusion

This loaded bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta recipe truly combines the best of both worlds – the comforting, velvety richness of classic Alfredo sauce with the irresistible, hearty flavors of a fully-loaded bacon cheeseburger. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you can’t decide between pasta night and burger night, delivering the satisfaction of both in one spectacular dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in less time than it takes to get delivery. The layers of flavor – from the smoky bacon to the savory beef to the creamy, cheesy sauce – create a symphony of taste that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new family favorite – it’s that good! And when you’re ready for something sweet after this savory masterpiece, browse our dessert recipes for the perfect ending to your meal.