Description
A quick and indulgent 30-minute dinner recipe combining the rich flavors of cheeseburger, crispy bacon, and creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with tender pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120ml) pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan (or add butter if needed).
- Add 1 lb (450g) ground beef to the skillet with bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink and nicely browned. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot.
- Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly. If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired creaminess.
- Add cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color.
Notes
[‘Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.’, ‘Cook bacon low and slow for crispy perfection or bake in the oven on a foil-lined baking sheet.’, ‘Season in layers: pasta water, beef, and sauce.’, ‘Use fresh garlic for best flavor.’, ‘Do not overcook the sauce to avoid graininess.’, ‘Freeze leftover sauce for future use.’, ‘Freshly shredded cheese prevents clumpy sauce.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: bacon, cheeseburger, alfredo, pasta, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe