Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

This loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta transforms classic burger flavors into a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It's a crowd-pleasing comfort food that combines two family favorites into one extraordinary meal.

I first made this pasta when my teenage sons brought home four hungry friends with no notice. The empty pot and requests for the recipe from their parents told me everything I needed to know about this dish's crowd-pleasing power.

• 8 oz pasta: preferably penne or rigatoni for catching maximum sauce
• 1 lb ground beef: ideally 80/20 for best flavor balance
• 6 slices bacon: thick cut adds more substantial texture and flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream: creates the luxurious base for the alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup milk: helps thin the sauce while maintaining creaminess
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: freshly shredded melts more smoothly than pre packaged
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth to the sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: infuses the entire dish with savory warmth
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: provides subtle sweetness without actual onion pieces
• Salt and pepper: balances all the rich flavors
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions: adds fresh color and mild onion bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.

Brown the Beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until completely browned and no pink remains about 7 to 8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking. Drain excess fat using a colander or removing with a spoon.

Prepare the Bacon:

In a separate pan cook bacon strips until crispy about 4 minutes per side. Place on paper towels to drain excess grease then chop or crumble into small pieces. The bacon adds the smoky element that makes this pasta truly taste like a cheeseburger.

Create Alfredo Sauce:

In a large saucepan combine heavy cream and milk over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer not a boil. Add garlic powder onion powder and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Incorporate Cheese:

Reduce heat to low and gradually add cheddar cheese and Parmesan a handful at a time stirring constantly to ensure smooth melting. Continue stirring until all cheese is completely melted and sauce is velvety smooth around 5 minutes.

Combine Components:

Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce tossing to coat every piece thoroughly. Fold in the cooked ground beef stirring gently until evenly distributed. Add three quarters of the bacon crumbles reserving some for garnish.

Final Touches:

Fold in most of the green onions saving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If sauce seems too thick stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

The bacon is absolutely non negotiable in this recipe. I tried making it once without when we were out and my youngest son immediately asked what was missing. The smoky flavor is what transforms this from regular alfredo into something that genuinely tastes like a cheeseburger experience.

Make Ahead Options

This pasta reheats beautifully making it perfect for busy weeknight planning. Prepare the entire dish up to two days ahead store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce as it will thicken considerably when chilled. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium low heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Creative Variations

Turn this versatile base recipe into a playground for different burger inspired variations. Try adding diced pickles for a classic burger tang or incorporate mushrooms sautéed in butter for a mushroom swiss burger version. For spice lovers stir in diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a southwest kick. My family particularly loves when I add a tablespoon of burger sauce made from ketchup mayonnaise and relish stirred into the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty pasta with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For a fun presentation place the pasta in a large serving bowl garnished with the reserved bacon crumbles green onions and a sprinkle of extra cheese then let everyone serve themselves family style.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different pasta type?

Yes, you can use your favorite pasta type, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ What cheese works best in this dish?

A combination of cheddar and Parmesan provides rich flavor and texture, but you can also use mozzarella or Gruyère if preferred.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead but keep the sauce and pasta separate until reheating for the best texture and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter can be used as a substitute, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole-grain pasta, turkey bacon, and reduce the cheese portions to make it lighter while keeping it flavorful.