This loaded turkey bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a single, comforting skillet meal. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, then combined with savory ground beef, crispy turkey bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Optional chopped pickles add a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness and makes every bite taste even more like your favorite burger. It is simple to prepare, comes together in about half an hour, and is generous enough to feed a hungry family.
The recipe uses everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, but the result feels indulgent and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or whenever you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Approximate Calories: 670 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is just al dente—tender but still slightly firm in the center. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape and not become mushy once it is mixed with the sauce and reheated in the skillet. When the pasta is done, reserve a small splash of the cooking water if you like a looser sauce, then drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Cook the turkey bacon
While the pasta water is heating or while the pasta cooks, prepare the turkey bacon. Place the slices in a skillet over medium heat and cook them slowly until they become nicely browned and crisp on both sides. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and do not burn. Once they are crisp, transfer the slices to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb any excess fat. When they are cool enough to handle, crumble or chop them into small pieces and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef
Using a large skillet (you can use the same one you cooked the turkey bacon in after removing any excess grease), add the ground beef and set the heat to medium. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, pressing it into small crumbles so it browns evenly. Continue cooking for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink anywhere and has developed some browned bits, which add extra flavor. When the beef is fully cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just a small amount to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
4. Combine beef, turkey bacon, and Alfredo sauce
Return the skillet with the cooked ground beef to medium-low heat. Add the crumbled turkey bacon to the pan and stir to distribute it evenly throughout the meat. Pour in the Alfredo sauce, using a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan so all the browned bits are incorporated into the sauce. Stir until the beef and turkey bacon are fully coated. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 1–2 minutes to warm the sauce through and allow the flavors to blend. If the sauce looks very thick at this stage, you can stir in a small splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it slightly.
5. Add the cooked pasta
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the pasta in the beef and Alfredo mixture, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce and dotted with bits of ground beef and turkey bacon. Take your time to fold everything together thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Melt in the cheddar cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta and meat mixture. Keep the heat on low and stir gently as the cheese begins to melt. The cheddar will blend into the Alfredo sauce, thickening it slightly and giving it that recognizable cheeseburger flavor. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta looks creamy, glossy, and well combined.
7. Add the pickles (optional)
If you are using the chopped pickles, fold them into the skillet at this stage. Stir them through the pasta so they are scattered throughout the dish. The pickles add a sharp, tangy note that contrasts with the richness of the sauce and makes the dish taste even more like a loaded cheeseburger. You can adjust the amount of pickles to suit your preference or leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
8. Season and serve
Taste the pasta before adding any additional seasoning. The turkey bacon, cheese, and Alfredo sauce all contain salt, so you may not need very much. Add a light sprinkling of salt and a few grinds of black pepper as needed, stirring well and tasting again until the seasoning is balanced.
Once seasoned to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the loaded turkey bacon cheeseburger Alfredo pasta hot, directly from the pan. If you like, you can finish each portion with a small extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese or a few extra pieces of crumbled turkey bacon on top for added texture and flavor.
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance to the meal.