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This filling Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta mashup brings together everyone's top comfort food picks in one amazing meal. Every bite delivers that burger goodness mixed with creamy, rich alfredo pasta indulgence.
I whipped this up one crazy weeknight when I couldn't pick between making pasta or burgers. The combo was such a success that my family now asks for it at least twice every month, especially when we've got company over.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: the heart of our dish that gives you that real burger taste
- Bacon: adds that smoky bite that makes everything better
- Penne pasta: catches all the sauce in its grooves and hollow centers
- Alfredo sauce: makes the creamy backbone that pulls everything together
- Cheddar cheese: brings that true burger flavor and awesome meltiness
- Pickles: not required but really worth adding for that tangy burger experience
- Onions: gives a light sweetness and extra texture that works great with the meat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook your ground beef in a skillet on medium heat until you don't see any pink, about 7 minutes. Break any chunks with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly. When it's done, drain off the extra fat so your dish won't end up too greasy.
- Prepare the Creamy Base:
- Mix your cooked penne with Alfredo sauce in a big pot. Keep stirring over low heat until all pasta gets coated. The sauce should stick to each piece without getting too thick or lumpy.
- Incorporate the Proteins:
- Put your drained beef into the pasta mix, then add the shredded cheddar. Stir gently until the cheese starts melting, making little pockets of gooey yumminess throughout. The warmth will keep melting the cheese just right.
- Add Final Touches:
- Mix in your bacon pieces, making sure they're spread out evenly. If you're using pickles and onions, throw them in last and just stir enough to mix them in without losing their crunch and flavor.
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What really makes this dish pop is how the smooth alfredo sauce plays against the tangy cheddar cheese. I found this mix by chance when I ran out of parmesan one night and had to get creative. The surprise combo turned out even tastier than what I first planned!
Make-Ahead Options
You can fix this pasta up to two days early and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. When you warm it up, add a little milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life since it gets thicker when cold. The flavors actually get better overnight, so it's great for busy families who need meals ready to go.
Substitution Ideas
Want something lighter? Swap turkey for beef and grab a light alfredo sauce. You can also blend Greek yogurt with some milk and parmesan for a protein-packed sauce instead of regular alfredo. Fake meat works really well too if you're trying to eat less meat but still want that hearty feel.
Serving Suggestions
This loaded pasta stands on its own, but goes great with a basic green salad with tangy dressing to balance the richness. For something extra special, throw in some garlic bread to mop up all that creamy sauce. In summer, I love tossing fresh tomato slices on top right before eating to add some brightness and fresh zing.
Common Queries
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure thing, you can swap out penne for any pasta shape you like such as rotini, fusilli, or even good old macaroni.
- → What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?
You can go with a smooth bechamel, a homemade cheese sauce, or simply a buttery garlic sauce instead.
- → How do I make this dish spicier?
For an extra kick, toss in some red pepper flakes, grab a block of spicy cheddar, or drizzle hot sauce into the pasta as you mix.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You bet, just cook everything up and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, warm it on the stove and add a splash of milk to make it creamy again.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for this dish?
You can totally make this meatless by using veggie ground beef, fake bacon, and non-dairy versions of Alfredo sauce and cheddar cheese.
- → What other toppings can I add?
Go wild with extras like cooked mushrooms, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley to bump up the taste.