Imagine the savory indulgence of a bacon cheeseburger—now wrapped up in warm, creamy pasta. This dish blends the heartiness of ground beef and crispy bacon with smooth Alfredo sauce and melted cheddar cheese, all folded into tender elbow macaroni. It’s the perfect marriage of fast food comfort and gourmet pasta finesse.
The Alfredo base adds luscious creaminess, while the ground beef mimics juicy burger flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese gives it bite, and crispy bacon adds smoky depth. Each forkful delivers creamy goodness, a touch of salt from the bacon, and satisfying meatiness from the beef. Served straight from the skillet or baked for a cheesy crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ideal for cozy dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
🧺 INGREDIENTS:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
🔥 INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cook the Pasta Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Make the Creamy Base In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt the Cheeses Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything Add the cooked pasta and ground beef to the sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Add the Bacon Sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and stir through. Reserve a little for topping if you like added crunch.
- Optional Bake for a Crust Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and bacon, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Serve Hot Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for brightness. Serve with garlic bread or a light green salad.
🍴 Notes & Variations:
- Want to make it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of full cream and Greek yogurt in place of some cheese.
- Add a chopped tomato or caramelized onion for extra cheeseburger vibes.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or jalapeños for heat.