Savory Bacon Cheeseburger

This hearty bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta takes ordinary burger flavors and turns them into a rich, delightful pasta meal that'll fill up even the hungriest folks. It's a family hit that blends two favorite comfort foods into one amazing dinner.

I whipped up this dish when my teenage boys suddenly brought four starving friends home without warning. The scraped-clean pot and all the parents asking how to make it told me everything about how much of a hit this meal really is.

• 8 oz pasta: go for penne or rigatoni to grab the most sauce
• 1 lb ground beef: 80/20 gives the best taste balance
• 6 slices bacon: pick thick-cut for better chunks and deeper flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream: forms the smooth base of the alfredo
• 1/2 cup milk: makes the sauce creamier but not too thick
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: grate it fresh for smoother melting
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: brings a rich flavor boost
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: adds savory goodness throughout
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: gives mild sweetness without chunks
• Salt and pepper: evens out the rich tastes
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions: adds bright color and mild zip

Tasty Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Pasta:

Get a big pot of really salty water bubbling hot. Cook your pasta until it's just firm usually around 8-10 minutes. Save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining just in case your sauce needs thinning later.

Brown the Beef:

Put a large pan on medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Keep going until you don't see any pink left about 7-8 minutes. Throw in some salt and pepper while it's cooking. Pour off the extra fat using a strainer or spoon.

Prepare the Bacon:

Cook your bacon in another pan until it's nice and crispy about 4 minutes on each side. Put it on paper towels to soak up the grease then break it into little bits. This bacon gives that smoky burger taste that makes this pasta special.

Create Alfredo Sauce:

Mix the heavy cream and milk in a big saucepan over medium heat. Let it warm up but don't let it boil. Add your garlic powder onion powder and a good shake of salt and pepper. Keep stirring for about 3 minutes until it starts getting thicker.

Incorporate Cheese:

Turn the heat down low and start adding your cheeses bit by bit stirring all the time so it melts smoothly. Keep going until all the cheese has melted and your sauce looks silky about 5 minutes.

Combine Components:

Put your cooked pasta in the cheese sauce and mix it around so every piece gets coated. Gently stir in the cooked beef until it's spread out evenly. Mix in most of the bacon bits but save some for topping.

Final Touches:

Mix in most of the green onions but keep some for the top. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if needed. If your sauce seems too thick add a splash of that pasta water you saved.

Don't even think about skipping the bacon in this recipe. I tried making it once when we ran out and my youngest kid instantly asked what was missing. That smoky flavor is what changes this from just alfredo pasta into something that truly tastes like you're eating a cheeseburger.

Clever Prep-Ahead Ideas

This pasta warms up great which makes it perfect for busy nights. Make the whole dish up to two days before and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. When heating it up again add a little milk or cream since the sauce gets much thicker when cold. Warm it slowly on the stove over medium-low heat and stir often so it doesn't burn.

Fun Flavor Twists

Use this basic recipe as a starting point for all kinds of burger-inspired changes. Try adding chopped pickles for that classic burger zing or put in some butter-cooked mushrooms for a mushroom swiss burger feel. If you like it hot 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 burger sauce made from mixed ketchup mayo and relish right at the end.

Perfect Pairings

Match this filling pasta with a basic green salad with tangy dressing to balance out the richness. Some garlic bread works great for soaking up any extra sauce. For a casual dinner set up place all the pasta in a big bowl topped with your saved bacon bits green onions and a bit more cheese then let everyone grab their own helping.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to use another pasta shape?

Of course! Try penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just check the cooking time and adjust if needed.

→ What cheeses can be swapped in?

Cheddar and Parmesan are a great combo, but mozzarella or Gruyère could work for a different twist.

→ Can I make this ahead?

For the best texture, cook pasta and sauce separately, then combine just before serving.

→ Any substitutes for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or milk enriched with butter can give you a similar creamy taste, just slightly lighter.

→ How can I lighten up this meal?

Switch to whole-grain pasta, lean turkey bacon, or use less cheese while still keeping it delicious.