Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a comforting twist on two classic favorites: cheeseburgers and creamy Alfredo pasta. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, rotini, or shells work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ⅓ cup diced dill pickles
- Optional: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and coat the beef with flavor.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add the Alfredo sauce to the cooked beef, stirring until everything is well blended. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using), mixing until melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Top with crumbled bacon and diced pickles. For extra cheeseburger vibes, add fresh tomatoes or shredded lettuce right before serving.
- Step 7: Scoop into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy, meaty, and flavorful comfort food.
Tips & Variations
- Keep the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- For a smoky twist, use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke to the beef mixture.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni works well as it holds the sauce nicely.
Is it better to use homemade Alfredo sauce or store-bought?
Both work great. Homemade Alfredo gives you full control over flavor and creaminess, while store-bought saves time without sacrificing much taste.
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Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy Alfredo pasta. Ground beef seasoned with smoky spices and mixed with rich Alfredo sauce, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses creates a hearty base, enhanced by crispy bacon and tangy dill pickles for that authentic cheeseburger taste. This easy one-pan dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual dinner with a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Meats & Proteins
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, rotini, or shells)
Cheese & Dairy
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Extras & Toppings
- ⅓ cup diced dill pickles
- Optional: chopped tomatoes
- Optional: shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later.
- Brown the ground beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the browned beef. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the spices, enhancing its flavor.
- Stir in Alfredo sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the seasoned beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss well to coat all the pasta with the creamy sauce and beef. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese (if using) until they melt into a rich, creamy mixture.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and diced dill pickles evenly over the pasta. For an authentic cheeseburger experience, optionally top with fresh chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce just before serving.
- Serve hot: Scoop the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta into bowls or plates and enjoy warm. This hearty dish makes comfort food exciting and flavorful with every bite.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; keeping it al dente ensures it holds texture and doesn’t become mushy.
- Use freshly cooked bacon for best flavor and crispness.
- If you prefer less rich dishes, reduce the amount of cheese or substitute with lower-fat versions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, alfredo pasta, ground beef pasta, loaded pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, quick dinner
