Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for the best flavor)
• 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for the best cheeseburger flavor)
• 1 pound (450 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually for 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later, in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet for extra flavor in the sauce.
3. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s fully cooked through. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent. This will help add depth of flavor to the sauce.
5. Stir in the ketchup and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. The beef broth will help create a smooth, creamy base for the sauce, while the ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tang, mimicking the flavor of a cheeseburger.