Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo

Loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta brings together the comfort of creamy pasta with your favorite burger flavors all in a quick weeknight dish the whole family devours. There is gooey cheddar cheese smoky bacon and a hint of tang from optional pickles making it a rich and playful twist on two beloved classics.

I first made this when my freezer only had a handful of ingredients left but my whole table cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. My youngest loves scooping up the gooey bits of bacon and cheese with pasta shells.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Bacon: Provides a salty smoky crunch make sure it is crisp but not burnt for best texture
• Ground beef: Delivers hearty burger flavor use eighty five percent lean for juiciness without too much grease
• Penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce well cook it just to al dente so it does not get mushy
• Alfredo sauce: Creates the rich creamy base pick a high quality jar or make your own for even more flavor
• Cheddar cheese: Melts in for that classic burger tang and creaminess choose sharp cheddar for best taste
• Pickles: Add bright tangy crunch chop finely for even distribution optional but recommended for the burger effect
• Onions: Provide subtle sweet bite sauté briefly if you want them mellower or leave raw for a sharper flavor

How to Make It

Cook Beef:

In a large skillet cook the ground beef over medium heat breaking it into small crumbles. Keep cooking for about seven to eight minutes until browned and no pink remains stir occasionally and drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce light.

Mix Pasta and Sauce:

In a large pot add the cooked penne pasta Alfredo sauce ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well over low heat until the cheese starts to melt and the sauce becomes creamy evenly coating the pasta.

Add Bacon and Toppings:

Fold in the crumbled bacon along with chopped pickles and diced onions if using. Mix gently so the bacon stays crisp and the toppings do not break down completely.

Serve:

Spoon the loaded pasta into bowls while it is still hot. Garnish with a bit of extra cheddar or scallions if desired and dig in right away for best texture.

My absolute favorite part is the mix of sharp cheddar and tangy pickles that cut through the richness. Once my husband tried extra crispy bacon on top he declared this the best pasta night recipe we have ever made. I always think of our silly debates over who gets the last pickle bite.

Flavor Boosters

In summer fresh garden tomatoes diced on top add brightness. For fall fold in sautéed mushrooms or swap cheddar for smoky gouda. When the weather gets chilly I sometimes stir in a small handful of spinach to sneak in extra greens.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp side salad or a pile of roasted broccoli to balance out the richness. I love adding extra pickles or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a cheeseburger vibe. This pasta also makes a fantastic party or potluck dish since it feeds a crowd and keeps well in a slow cooker on warm.

Creative Twists

Use ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. Any sturdy pasta shape like rotini or shells works in place of penne. For a homemade Alfredo swap use cream cheese milk and a dash of garlic powder cooked together until smooth. Try Swiss or pepper jack cheese for a grown up twist if you want a different flavor. Prep ground beef and bacon ahead for freezer convenience.

After sharing this at a neighborhood potluck I watched even picky kids go back for seconds and thirds. Friends always ask for how to make it and my sister now makes this as her go to after soccer practice weeknight meal. This loaded pasta is pure comfort every time.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni for similar texture and flavor absorption.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the components in advance and store them separately. Reheat and combine just before serving for best results.

→ Are the pickles and onions necessary?

No, these are optional toppings. They add extra flavor and crunch but can be omitted or replaced based on personal taste.

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor or texture in the dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.