Creamy Bacon Alfredo (Printable Recipe)

Rich bacon alfredo pasta with beef, cheddar, and parmesan for a quick comforting meal.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 cups heavy cream
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
09 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

12 - Fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Extra cheese, optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook 8 minutes until browned, then drain and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet with residual fat, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently while stirring. Gradually add cheddar and parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
05 - Add the cooked pasta and beef into the sauce. Stir gently until fully coated.
06 - Top with crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and smoother sauce.
02 - Drain bacon on paper towels to keep it crisp in the final dish.
03 - For reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.