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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta**:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
2. **Cook the Bacon**:
– While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat for the next step.
3. **Cook the Ground Beef**:
– In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat from the pan.
4. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic**:
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. **Make the Alfredo Sauce**:
– To the skillet, add the heavy cream and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes. Once thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the sauce until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. **Combine the Pasta and Beef**:
– Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Then, add the cooked ground beef and bacon to the pasta, mixing everything together until it’s evenly distributed.
7. **Finish and Serve**:
– Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is well combined, transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, if desired, and serve immediately.
### **Customizing Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta**
While the classic version of this dish is already incredibly indulgent and flavorful, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– **Add Veggies**: For a healthier twist, you can add some vegetables to the dish. Try sautéing mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the onions and garlic for an extra burst of flavor and color.
– **Spicy Version**: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for an extra spicy kick.
– **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: For a lighter version of this dish, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. While it may not be as rich as the beef, it will still pair wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
– **Try Different Cheese**: While cheddar is the classic choice for a bacon cheeseburger, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Try using gouda, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
### **Conclusion**
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods—cheeseburgers and Alfredo pasta. This rich, creamy, and indulgent dish brings together the flavors of crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and melted cheese in a creamy, decadent sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner to impress friends or a hearty meal to satisfy a big appetite, this dish is sure to hit the spot. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of room for customization, you’ll want to make Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta again and again!
