Description
Loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta combines classic comfort foods in one irresistible dish. Creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat and crisp the bacon until golden and perfectly rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until no pink remains and a deep caramelized exterior develops.
- Simultaneously, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy base, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Crumble the crispy bacon and fold it into the creamy sauce along with the browned ground beef, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each pasta piece with the rich, meaty sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, sharp contrast to the heavy, indulgent dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Crisp bacon thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor and crunchiness without burning, allowing excess fat to drain completely.
- Choose high-fat ground beef for richer taste, but drain excess grease to prevent an overly greasy final dish.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that complement the bacon and beef.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting regular penne with chickpea or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 930
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg