Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Description:
Creamy, cheesy Alfredo pasta meets the bold flavors of a bacon cheeseburger! Tender pasta shells smothered in a savory beef and cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta shells or elbows
- 1 lb (≈ 450 g) ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta shells or elbows according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream.
- Stir until warm and slightly thickened.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and cheese sauce.
- Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Optional: Add 1 tablespoon butter for extra creaminess.
- Add bacon and season:
- Stir in crumbled cooked bacon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve hot for the ultimate comfort meal!
Tips & Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- You can add a handful of grated Parmesan for extra cheesy richness.
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with sauce.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.