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Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Highlight: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This crowd-pleasing dish blends classic cheeseburger flavors with rich Alfredo comfort. Tender penne is tossed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. The addition of pickles adds a tangy lift, bringing every bite to life. Perfect for busy families and weeknight gatherings, this pasta cooks up quickly without skimping on taste. The combination of textures and flavors ensures a satisfying, hearty meal. Best of all, it’s easy to customize with favorite burger toppings or vegetables and makes excellent leftovers for the next day.

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Luna chef wearing a white shirt.
Crafted By Luna
Updated on Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:11:11 GMT
A bowl of pasta with cheese and bacon. Save
A bowl of pasta with cheese and bacon. | myhomemademeal.com

This bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta is the ultimate mashup of two comfort food classics. Packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, rich Alfredo sauce, and oozy cheddar cheese all tossed together with sturdy penne, it is exactly what you need for a cozy weeknight or a casual family gathering. Chopped pickles are the secret magic that brings true burger flavor and brightens the whole dish.

I first whipped this up when a crowd of hungry teens landed in my kitchen unannounced. There were no leftovers and now it is the most requested meal among my family and their friends. Even the skeptics came back for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: offers rich savory depth and mimics the juicy burger experience use 80/20 for maximum flavor and tenderness
  • Bacon: delivers smoky crunch thick cut is ideal for the best texture
  • Penne pasta: stands up well to thick sauce the ridges help capture all that cheesy goodness
  • Alfredo sauce: coats everything in creamy decadence store bought is fine but homemade takes it up a notch
  • Cheddar cheese: brings that iconic burger sharpness sharper cheese gives bolder flavor so do not shy away from extra sharp varieties
  • Chopped pickles: add a pop of brightness and balance if you love classic cheeseburgers do not skip these
  • Salt and pepper: rounds out the flavors always taste before salting since bacon and cheese carry plenty of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:
Cook the penne in well salted water until just al dente and reserve a cup of the cooking water before draining set it aside. Fry bacon over medium heat until deeply crisp then chop or crumble set aside. If using pickles chop them into small pieces for even distribution
Brown The Beef:
In a broad skillet over medium heat add ground beef and break it apart as it cooks let it go until every piece is browned and no pinkness remains about eight minutes. Once done drain most of the fat but leave about a tablespoon for richness
Create The Sauce:
Return the skillet to medium low heat and add crisp bacon to the beef stir until combined. Pour in Alfredo sauce and blend it all together let the mixture bubble gently for two minutes so the flavors come together. If the sauce seems thick stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until smooth and silky
Combine And Finish:
Add drained pasta directly into the skillet toss thoroughly so every piece is coated and glossy. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the pasta stir gently until melted and streaks of cheese run throughout. Fold in chopped pickles if using you want a few pickle bites in each forkful for the real cheeseburger feel
A bowl of pasta with cheese and bacon. Save
A bowl of pasta with cheese and bacon. | myhomemademeal.com

I promise the pickles are what take this from good to unforgettable. My husband once eyed me skeptically for adding them but now he insists on extra. Watching my family sneak bites straight from the skillet is my favorite part of making this dish

Make It Your Own

Get creative with toppings and mix-ins based on your burger cravings. Diced tomatoes, caramelized onions, even a swirl of ketchup or mustard brings playfulness. To add some heat toss in jalapenos or a little hot sauce. My grownup secret is to add a tiny splash of bourbon for a hint of complexity

Storage and Leftovers

Let leftovers cool then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This pasta actually improves overnight as the flavors blend and deepen. For creamy results while reheating add a little splash of milk or cream then microwave in short bursts stirring between each interval. Top with a fresh handful of cheddar before serving

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this alongside a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette to counter the richness. Garlic bread is always a favorite to help mop up extra sauce. For parties spoon the pasta into ramekins and top each with more cheese bacon bits and a pickle chip for a picture-perfect little bite

A plate of pasta with cheese and bacon. Save
A plate of pasta with cheese and bacon. | myhomemademeal.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, short pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or macaroni all work well and hold the sauce nicely.

→ Is homemade Alfredo necessary?

Homemade sauce is wonderful, but store-bought Alfredo keeps things quick and tasty without extra steps.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Diced onions, bell peppers, and peas add color and extra flavor without overwhelming the dish.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness.

→ Can I prepare this ahead?

You can cook the main components and combine with sauce just before serving for best results.

→ What if I dislike pickles?

Skip pickles or substitute with chopped tomatoes or jalapeños for a different twist on the flavor profile.

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Ground beef, bacon, cheddar, and Alfredo sauce create a hearty, creamy pasta full of bold, satisfying flavors.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Crafted By: Luna

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Beginner-Friendly

Regional Cuisine: American

Servings Output: 6 Serving Size (Serves 6 as a main course)

Dietary Choices: ~

Everything You’ll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 400 g penne pasta
02 350 g ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
03 120 g thick-cut bacon
04 350 ml Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
05 120 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 60 g chopped pickles (optional)
07 Salt, to taste
08 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Cook

Step 01

Cook penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 120 ml of pasta cooking water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook thick-cut bacon until crisp. Remove from pan, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces.

Step 03

Add ground beef to the same skillet. Break into small pieces and cook over medium heat until browned with no pink remaining, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving approximately one tablespoon for flavor.

Step 04

Return chopped bacon to the skillet with the browned beef and mix well.

Step 05

Pour Alfredo sauce into the skillet with beef and bacon. Stir until combined and let simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 06

Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top and mix gently until cheese is melted and fully incorporated.

Step 07

Fold in chopped pickles if desired. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to preference.

Step 08

Distribute pasta among plates or bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a pickle slice. Serve immediately.

Extra Suggestions

  1. For best texture, allow the pasta to cool briefly before adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
  2. Bacon should be cooked until extra crisp, as it will soften after being combined with the sauce.
  3. This dish reheats well; add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.
  4. Dish can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container.
  5. Reserve extra shredded cheese to sprinkle on reheated portions for added richness.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater (for cheese)

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, Alfredo sauce)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 680
  • Fat Breakdown: 36 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 55 grams
  • Protein Count: 29 grams