Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
02 - 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
03 - 2 cups penne pasta, cooked according to package directions (about 8 oz dry)
04 - 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
05 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 - ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional, for authentic cheeseburger flavor)
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

08 - Extra crumbled bacon
09 - Additional shredded cheddar cheese
10 - Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain well but do not rinse. If you're timing this with the rest of your cooking, you can start the pasta water while preparing the beef, so everything finishes around the same time.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan, let cool slightly, then crumble into pieces. Set aside. You can leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan to add flavor when cooking the ground beef, or drain it completely and add a fresh tablespoon of oil if preferred.
03 - In the same large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the pan, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.
04 - Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add the crumbled bacon to the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet, followed by the Alfredo sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
05 - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
06 - If using, gently fold in the chopped pickles. This optional ingredient adds an authentic cheeseburger flavor and a nice tangy contrast to the creamy sauce. For pickle lovers, this step is highly recommended, but the dish is still delicious without them.
07 - Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the bacon and cheese already add saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, or chopped fresh herbs if desired.

# Notes:

01 - This comforting one-pan meal combines all the flavors of a loaded bacon cheeseburger in a creamy pasta format that's perfect for busy weeknights.
02 - For an extra flavor boost, try adding a tablespoon of ketchup and a teaspoon of mustard to the sauce mixture to really capture that classic cheeseburger taste.
03 - The pasta reheats well, making it great for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
04 - Feel free to customize this versatile dish with your favorite burger toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even diced tomatoes added at the end.

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