Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of Alfredo pasta with the bold, savory flavors of a cheeseburger! This hearty and comforting dish is packed with ground beef, melted cheese, and all the classic cheeseburger toppings like bacon, pickles, and onions. It’s a one-pot, easy-to-make meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 12 oz Penne Pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Crispy Bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Pickles, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later, and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat, if necessary, and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Add the heavy cream and milk to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Beef and Pasta:
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Toppings:
- Once everything is combined, stir in the crumbled bacon and chopped pickles (if using).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, try mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to give it an extra cheeseburger twist.
- If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This recipe is versatile—feel free to swap in different types of cheese or add more of your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg