Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo with Creamy Pasta and Bacon (Print version)
A creamy skillet pasta with ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar, Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and chopped pickles for real cheeseburger flavor.
# Ingredients:
For the pasta
01 -
12 oz (340 g) penne, rigatoni, or medium shells
02 -
1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the pasta water
03 -
1 cup reserved pasta water
For the beef and bacon
04 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
05 -
1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85/15 preferred
06 -
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 -
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
For the Alfredo finish
11 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 -
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
13 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
14 -
1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
15 -
1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
16 -
1/3 cup chopped dill pickles, plus 1 teaspoon pickle brine if desired
17 -
2 tablespoons sliced scallions or chopped parsley, for topping
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
02 -
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and leave 1 tablespoon drippings in the skillet.
03 -
Add the ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and cooked to 160 degrees F. Stir in garlic, pepper, paprika, and salt for the last minute, then drain extra fat.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Add butter, heavy cream, and milk to the beef mixture. Warm until steaming, then stir in Parmesan in small handfuls until melted and smooth.
05 -
Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss until the sauce coats the pasta. Add more pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
06 -
Stir in cheddar, most of the bacon, chopped pickles, and pickle brine if using. Taste and adjust salt. Top with remaining bacon and scallions or parsley, then serve hot.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
02 -
Add pickles at the end so they stay crisp.
03 -
Best served right after tossing while the sauce is creamy.