Imagine everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger, now transformed into a decadently creamy pasta dish. Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is exactly that—a rich fusion of bold, comforting flavors layered into one sizzling skillet. Each bite wraps you in tender pasta coated with velvety Alfredo sauce, speckled with perfectly browned ground beef, and crowned with crispy bacon strips. It’s the ultimate blend of indulgence and satisfaction.

This dish is a guaranteed hit whether you’re hosting game night or just looking to treat yourself after a long day. With a mouthwatering balance of cheesy goodness and smoky bacon, it delivers on both taste and texture. Think comfort food turned up a notch—fast, hearty, and packed with flavor in every forkful.

Ingredients for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6–8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the ground beef (and diced onion if using). Cook over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked through, drain excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly add in the Parmesan and cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and ground beef back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Let it heat for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is hot and bubbly.

Step 6: Top with Bacon and Serve

Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the pasta just before serving for maximum crispiness. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the melty, meaty, cheesy goodness.

Storage Instructions

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. To store, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce, then cover and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For stovetop reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.

Note: This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings total):

Calories: 670
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

These values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, rotini, or even shells work great in this recipe. Just aim for pasta shapes that hold sauce well.

2. Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used.

3. What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic for a cheeseburger feel, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.

4. How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or stir in some diced jalapeños with the beef for a heat kick.

5. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare everything, store it covered in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve. Add bacon at the end to keep it crispy.

6. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very! It’s rich, cheesy, and mild—just skip the onions or spices if your little ones are picky.

7. Can I add veggies to this?

Sure! Spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed bell peppers blend in nicely and add color and nutrition.

8. What’s the best way to serve it?

It’s a meal on its own, but a crisp green salad or garlic bread on the side makes it even better.