Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Name: Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/4 cup chopped pickles (for garnish); 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (for garnish); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Isabella

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This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a creamy, cheesy pasta sauce. It’s a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you’re craving something rich and indulgent. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. From the juicy ground beef to the gooey cheese and crispy bacon, every bite is a savory treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta because it’s the best of both worlds—cheeseburger meets creamy pasta in one dish. The rich and flavorful sauce, loaded with melted cheddar and Parmesan, coats the pasta perfectly. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika gives it a bold twist, while the crispy bacon bits and pickles bring a touch of crunch and tang to each bite. It’s a complete meal that’s filling, flavorful, and downright delicious!

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

1/4 cup chopped pickles (for garnish)

1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (for garnish)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add butter, heavy cream, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Reduce heat to low and gradually mix in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Garnish with chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Variations

Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.

Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of your favorites.

Add Veggies: For extra color and nutrition, throw in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any short pasta like rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells. Just make sure it cooks evenly and holds the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and store it separately. Cook the pasta just before serving and toss everything together.

How can I make this dish less rich?

If you want to reduce the richness, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or lower-fat cheese options.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

It’s not ideal to freeze creamy pasta dishes because the sauce may separate upon reheating, but if necessary, you can freeze the meat and sauce mixture separately from the pasta for up to 2 months.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so the dish can be made mild. If you prefer no spice at all, simply leave them out.

Conclusion

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a simple, hearty dish that combines the comforting elements of a cheeseburger and creamy pasta into one unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or making it for a weekend treat, it’s sure to satisfy. With its rich sauce, flavorful beef, and fun garnishes, this dish is a winner every time.

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