Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a decadent, creamy dish combining the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with rich Alfredo sauce and pasta. Ground beef is cooked with classic seasonings, then simmered in a creamy blend of heavy cream, beef broth, cheeses, and spices. Tossed together with tender pasta and garnished with crispy bacon, pickles, and parsley, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and 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. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well 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, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium-low, then add butter, heavy cream, and beef broth to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Combine everything well.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually mix in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Pickles add a tangy bite characteristic of cheeseburgers, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, alfredo pasta, loaded pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, dinner recipe