Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy fusion of two comfort food favorites—classic cheeseburgers and decadent alfredo pasta. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta in a creamy sauce, it’s a one-pot meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to please a hungry crowd.
ingredients
Ground beef
Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream or milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Butter
Salt and pepper
Paprika or mustard powder (optional)
Chopped pickles, bacon bits, or green onions for topping (optional)
directions
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Drain excess fat, then stir in butter, cream, and cream cheese if using. Let simmer until smooth.
Add cheddar and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or mustard powder.
Top with optional pickles, bacon bits, or green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 4-6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add sautéed mushrooms or tomatoes for extra flavor.
Swap cheddar for American or mozzarella cheese.
Stir in spinach or peas for a veggie boost.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade gives better flavor and texture.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely—it’s creamy, cheesy, and familiar.
Can I make it spicy?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a kick.
Can I freeze it?
Best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen and reheated with extra cream or cheese.
What pasta shape is best?
Short shapes like rotini or penne hold the sauce well.
Conclusion
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends, this dish delivers everything you love about cheeseburgers and pasta in one cheesy, satisfying skillet.
Print
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta / Entrée
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American comfort
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty twist on alfredo: creamy cheese sauce tossed with pasta, seasoned ground beef, onions, and pickles—just like a loaded cheeseburger in pasta form.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all‑purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
- Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra pickles
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat, breaking beef into crumbles. Add garlic during last minute. Drain excess fat and season beef with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until melted and smooth. Season to taste.
- Add cooked pasta and beef mixture to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Just before serving, stir in diced pickles. Garnish with optional toppings and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or plant‑based beef substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Swap cheddar for American cheese for a more classic cheeseburger flavor.
- For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make‑ahead: prepare sauce and beef up to a day ahead; reheat together with pasta, adding splash of milk if needed.
- Leftovers reheat well—stir occasionally to keep sauce smooth and creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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