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.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
Sauce
- 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
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, alfredo pasta, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food, loaded pasta
