Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
A cozy and satisfying dish featuring creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and hearty pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meats
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (preferably fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, chopped Cook until crispy
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Optional
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onion until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to combine with the beef.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and the sauce is creamy and thick.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
Combining
- Combine the cooked pasta and crispy bacon with the sauce, tossing until well coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.