Pin it
This bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta turns your favorite burger taste into a rich, creamy pasta meal that'll win over the hungriest eaters. It's a family-friendly comfort dish that blends two popular meals into one amazing dinner.
I whipped this up when my teenage boys suddenly brought four starving friends home unannounced. The completely empty cooking pot and parents asking me for the cooking steps later told me all I needed to know about how much people love this meal.
- 8 oz pasta: go for penne or rigatoni to grab more of that yummy sauce
- 1 lb ground beef: 80/20 works best for the right taste mix
- 6 slices bacon: get thick slices for better bite and flavor punch
- 1 cup heavy cream: this makes the rich base for your alfredo
- 1/2 cup milk: makes the sauce flow better while keeping it smooth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: grate it fresh for smoother melting
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: brings a rich flavor boost to your sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: gives the whole dish a tasty warmth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: adds mild sweetness without chunky onions
- Salt and pepper: evens out all those rich tastes
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: brings fresh color and light onion kick
Detailed Cooking Guide
- Cook the Pasta:
- Get a big pot of very salty water boiling hard. Cook your pasta until it's just firm, following the box times, usually 8-10 minutes. Save half a cup of the cooking water before you drain it, in case your sauce needs thinning later.
- Brown the Beef:
- Get a big pan hot over medium-high. Throw in your ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it's all brown with no pink spots left, about 7-8 minutes. Add a bit of salt and pepper while it cooks. Get rid of the extra fat by draining or spooning it out.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- In another pan, fry bacon until it's nice and crispy, roughly 4 minutes each side. Put it on paper towels to soak up extra grease, then break it into small bits. The bacon gives that smoky taste that makes this pasta really feel like a burger.
- Create Alfredo Sauce:
- Mix heavy cream and milk in a big pot over medium heat. Let it warm up gently, but don't let it boil. Add your garlic powder, onion powder, plus some salt and pepper. Keep stirring for about 3 minutes until it starts to thicken up a bit.
- Incorporate Cheese:
- Turn heat down low and slowly add your cheeses, a handful at a time, never stopping your stirring so it melts smoothly. Keep at it until all cheese has melted and your sauce looks silky, around 5 minutes total.
- Combine Components:
- Throw your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, tossing so every bit gets coated. Mix in the cooked beef gently until it's spread out evenly. Add most of your bacon pieces, but save some for topping plates later.
- Final Touches:
- Mix in most green onions, saving some for garnish. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. If your sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that pasta water you saved.
Don't even think about skipping the bacon in this dish. I tried making it once when we ran out and my youngest kid immediately asked what was missing. That smoky flavor is what changes this from just alfredo pasta into something that truly tastes like a burger experience.
Advance Preparation Ideas
This pasta warms up great, making it perfect for busy nights. Make the whole thing up to two days before, keep it covered in the fridge. When heating it back up, add a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life since it'll get thicker when cold. Warm it slowly on the stove over medium-low, stirring often so it doesn't burn.
Tasty Twists
Use this flexible dish as a starting point for different burger-style flavors. Try adding chopped pickles for that classic burger tang or toss in butter-cooked mushrooms for a mushroom swiss burger feel. If you like heat, mix in chopped jalapeños and use pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicy kick. My family goes crazy when I stir in a spoonful of simple burger sauce made from ketchup, mayo and relish at the end.
What to Serve With It
Pair this filling pasta with a basic green salad with tangy dressing to balance the richness. Buttery garlic bread works great for soaking up extra sauce. For a casual dinner, put everything in one big bowl topped with your saved bacon bits, green onions and a bit more cheese, then let everyone grab their own helpings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch the type of pasta?
Sure! Pick your favorite pasta, like fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
- → Which cheese works best?
A blend of Parmesan and cheddar gives great flavor, but mozzarella or Gruyère are good swaps too.
- → Can I prep this dish in advance?
Definitely. Store the pasta and sauce separately, and combine them when reheating for the best texture.
- → What’s an alternative for heavy cream?
Try half-and-half or mix butter with milk. The flavor will be lighter but still tasty.
- → How do I make it lighter?
Choose whole-grain pasta, swap bacon for turkey bacon, and cut down the cheese for a healthier twist.