Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta (Print Version)

Hearty pasta swirled with bacon, beef, and creamy cheese sauce for an irresistible mealtime favorite.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound penne, rigatoni, or macaroni pasta
02 - 1 tablespoon salt, for boiling water

→ Meat

03 - 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
04 - 6 to 8 slices bacon, chopped
05 - 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits, plus extra for topping

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

06 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

→ Seasonings & Spices

09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, optional
11 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
17 - Pinch nutmeg, optional

→ Sauce & Dairy

18 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
19 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
20 - 2 cups heavy cream
21 - 1 cup whole milk
22 - 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
23 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
24 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

# Steps:

01 - Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta, then cook until al dente as directed on the package. Drain thoroughly, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon. Leave 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the skillet, discarding excess.
03 - Add the ground beef to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until beef is nicely browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic, continuing to cook until onions soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional chili powder. Remove skillet from heat and set mixture aside.
04 - In a large saucepan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream and whole milk; whisk to combine and gently simmer without boiling. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and optional nutmeg. Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
05 - In a large mixing bowl or the empty pasta pot, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, and Alfredo sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat pasta evenly.
06 - Transfer mixture to a casserole dish if baking. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar and bacon bits over the surface. Bake at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - For best texture, undercook pasta slightly as it will continue to soften in the oven.

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