Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy comfort of Alfredo pasta. Juicy ground beef is simmered in a cheesy, savory sauce, then tossed with tender noodles and topped with crunchy bacon, tangy pickles, and fresh parsley. It’s a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish
- 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 package instructions until al dente. Drain 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 up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Make the Sauce Base: Add butter, heavy cream, and beef broth to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well, then add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until everything is combined.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Make sure the cheese is fully melted before proceeding.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat all the noodles in the cheesy, beefy Alfredo sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta heats through.
- Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Top with chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley for a loaded finish.
- Serve: Serve the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta hot, directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Use any short pasta shape you like; penne, rotini, or elbows all work well.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 830
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, loaded Alfredo, easy dinner, one pot pasta, comfort food, beef pasta recipe
