Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo (Print Version)

Tender pasta tossed in creamy cheese sauce with beef, bacon, and fresh parsley for a filling meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Protein

01 - 12 ounces pasta shells or elbow macaroni
02 - 1 pound ground beef
03 - 4 to 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Sauce and Dairy

04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Finish and Garnish

11 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with minced garlic until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat from the pan.
03 - Add heavy cream, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Stir shredded cheddar and mozzarella into the skillet until both cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with sauce.
06 - Top with crumbled bacon and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - For added flavor complexity, use a mix of cheddar and smoked gouda. Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of cream.