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This creamy, indulgent Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta brings all your favorite burger flavors to the dinner table in one delicious skillet meal. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a comfort food masterpiece that both kids and adults will devour.
I created this recipe during a particularly chaotic weeknight when I couldn't decide between making burgers or pasta. My teenagers now request this almost weekly and my husband claims it's better than an actual cheeseburger because there's more of it to enjoy.
- Ground beef provides the hearty base just like a classic burger
- Bacon adds that smoky crunch that elevates any dish
- Penne pasta holds up well to the hearty sauce and meaty ingredients
- Alfredo sauce creates a creamy base without complicated preparation
- Cheddar cheese brings that classic cheeseburger flavor
- Chopped pickles optional but add that authentic burger tang
- Salt and pepper to taste for perfect seasoning
How To Make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Brown the beef
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned about 5 to 7 minutes breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The key is ensuring no pink remains while leaving some texture rather than pulverizing it. Drain excess fat by tilting the pan and spooning it out or using a paper towel.
- Add the mix ins
- Return the drained beef to the pan and add the cooked crumbled bacon. Stir in the precooked penne pasta and pour the Alfredo sauce over everything. Gently fold all ingredients together ensuring the pasta gets completely coated in the creamy sauce.
- Create the cheesy finish
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the pasta mixture and reduce heat to medium low. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely creating silky ribbons throughout the dish. If using pickles fold them in now for that authentic burger flavor.
- Final seasoning
- Taste the pasta and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The bacon and cheese contain salt already so add gradually. Serve immediately while piping hot garnished with additional bacon bits or a sprinkle of extra cheese for visual appeal.
Alfredo sauce is definitely the secret hero of this recipe. While you could substitute another cream sauce I find the richness of Alfredo perfectly mimics that special sauce quality of a great burger. My daughter once declared this her "forever birthday dinner request" after I made it during a snowstorm when we couldn't go out for her usual restaurant celebration.
Storage Tips
This pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. For best results warm it slowly on the stovetop rather than microwaving which can make the cheese separate or the pasta become gummy.
Easy Variations
Turn this recipe into your family's signature dish by customizing it with different burger inspired add ins. Try adding a spoonful of ketchup and mustard to the sauce for classic burger flavor. Mix in some crumbled blue cheese and hot sauce for a buffalo style version. You can even add a layer of shredded lettuce on top just before serving for that fresh burger crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce. For a fun presentation especially for kids serve in individual bowls topped with sesame seeds to mimic a burger bun appearance.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne works well because it holds the sauce nicely, you can substitute with other medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bow ties), or medium shells. These shapes will similarly capture the creamy sauce and mix well with the ground beef and bacon bits.
- → What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?
If you don't have Alfredo sauce, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, a bechamel sauce (butter, flour, milk) with added cheese works well. In a pinch, you could even use a combination of cream cheese thinned with milk and seasoned with garlic.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
To create a lighter version, use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey or chicken. Choose turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, and use a light Alfredo sauce. You could also increase the ratio of pasta to meat and incorporate some vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition with fewer calories.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well. Prepare it completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream as the pasta will have absorbed some of the sauce. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. The flavors often develop nicely after a day in the refrigerator.
- → What vegetables would pair well with this dish?
To balance the richness, serve with simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. A crisp side salad with vinaigrette dressing also works wonderfully. For added vegetables in the dish itself, consider sautéing diced onions and bell peppers with the ground beef, or adding spinach or mushrooms toward the end of cooking.
- → Is there a way to add more burger flavor to this pasta?
Enhance the burger experience by adding classic hamburger toppings as garnishes. Try diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced red onion, or even a drizzle of burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, and relish mixed together) on top when serving. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also evoke the burger bun experience.