Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a decadent, comforting dish combining the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy Alfredo sauce. Ground beef seasoned with classic burger spices blends into a luscious cream and cheese sauce, tossed with your choice of pasta. Garnished with crispy bacon bits, chopped pickles, and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a unique twist on traditional pasta that’s perfect for a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
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. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the butter, heavy cream, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and let the mixture begin to simmer gently.
- Add the cheeses: Gradually mix in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and fully melted.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta in the rich cheeseburger Alfredo sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your loaded cheeseburger-inspired pasta!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Crispy bacon bits can be homemade by frying bacon strips and crumbling, or store-bought for convenience.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt compared to pre-grated varieties.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the pasta.
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, loaded pasta recipe, easy dinner
