Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta (Printable Version)

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

# 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:

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.
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.
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.
04 - Return chopped bacon to the skillet with the browned beef and mix well.
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.
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.
07 - Fold in chopped pickles if desired. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to preference.
08 - Distribute pasta among plates or bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a pickle slice. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

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