Name: Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup chopped pickles; 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a fusion of comfort and indulgence, look no further than this irresistible Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. This dish combines the hearty, savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the rich, creamy decadence of Alfredo pasta in one delightful bowl. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, punctuated by flavorful ground beef, smoky spices, and topped with crispy bacon and tangy pickles. It’s truly a joyful celebration of taste and texture that will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation, perfect for any night you want to treat yourself with something wow-worthy yet effortlessly satisfying.

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta plays an essential role in creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the seasoned ground beef to the blend of cheeses and subtle seasonings, these simple components come together to make a dish that’s as comforting as your favorite burger and as smooth as a classic Alfredo sauce.

1 lb ground beef: The star protein, providing savory, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right subtle heat and depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the beef with aromatic warmth.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and beef for full-bodied flavor.
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni): The hearty base that soaks up the cheesy sauce perfectly.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky Alfredo sauce that’s utterly indulgent.
1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and a meaty note to the sauce without heaviness.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooey melty texture.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, savory complexity to the sauce.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For that iconic umami kick that echoes classic burger flavors.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Lends subtle tang and a slight bite to balance richness.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a warm smokiness reminiscent of grilled meat.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who like a little spice.
2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
1/4 cup chopped pickles (for garnish): Adds a crunchy, tangy surprise with every bite.
1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (for garnish): For extra smoky crunch and that classic burger feel.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the plate and adds fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite to hold up wonderfully under that creamy, cheesy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all that burger-inspired goodness.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring as it cooks. The goal here is to develop a rich, browned crust on the beef — that’s where a ton of flavor comes from. Once browned through, drain away any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

With the beef still in the skillet, add butter, heavy cream, and beef broth. Stir these together gently, creating the base of your Alfredo sauce but with a meaty twist. Then, whisk in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. These add layers of complexity that make this dish so exciting and everyone’s taste buds sing.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Lower the heat and begin stirring in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese little by little. Stir continuously so the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture that clings lovingly to every pasta piece. This step is where your sauce transforms into something gloriously indulgent and cheesily perfect.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Now, toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your cheesy, beefy sauce. Stir everything well so each noodle is generously coated. Let it gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more, allowing the flavors to marry deeply and the pasta to soak up all those incredible tastes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley. This final flourish adds crunch, tang, and freshness, echoing loaded cheeseburger toppings in a fun and unexpected way. Serve it piping hot and watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing is where this dish really shines. The chopped pickles deliver a juicy tang that cuts through the creaminess, while crispy bacon bits add crunch and smoky notes reminiscent of a classic burger experience. Don’t forget fresh parsley for a burst of color and a clean herbal finish that keeps the dish vibrant.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands on its own as a hearty meal but pairs beautifully with fresh green salads or steamed vegetables to lighten things up. Consider a crisp Caesar salad or roasted broccoli with lemon for a bit of brightness to complement the rich, loaded flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress it up for guests or family, serve this pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, topped with a little extra shredded cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. A small side of toasted garlic bread or pretzel rolls also embraces the burger theme and helps scoop up every last bite of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights when you want indulgence on demand.

Freezing

While you can freeze the pasta, the creamy sauce may slightly separate upon thawing. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep that silky smooth goodness intact. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work great because their shapes help trap the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape to suit your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors rich while making it meat-free.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While you can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance, it’s best to combine it with the pasta just before serving to avoid the noodles becoming mushy and to retain that silky sauce texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

You can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter or full-fat milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry, keeping in mind the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.

How spicy is Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but don’t overpower the dish. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level or omit them entirely if you prefer no heat.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably comforting and indulgent about the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta, blending two beloved classics into one dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe invites you to enjoy big, bold flavors with minimal fuss. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a go-to favorite that everyone asks for again and again.

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, savory dish combining the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with classic Alfredo pasta. Ground beef seasoned with spices is blended into a luscious heavy cream and cheese sauce, then tossed with your choice of pasta. Garnished with crispy bacon, pickles, and fresh parsley, this hearty, comforting meal offers a delicious fusion of American diner favorites in one bowl.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Prepare the sauce base: Add the butter, heavy cream, and beef broth to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season the sauce: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce the heat to low and mix in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce and beef mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the loaded pasta with chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley for added texture and flavor. Serve hot.
Enjoy your meal: Dive into this loaded, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that brings the best of a cheeseburger and Alfredo pasta all in one comforting plate.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
The pickles add a tangy crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce; do not skip for an authentic flavor experience.
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes to reduce.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American