Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining the classic taste of a cheeseburger with creamy Alfredo pasta. Ground beef seasoned with a blend of spices is cooked in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, beef broth, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty pasta dish is topped with crunchy pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley for a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 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 and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain 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 until the beef is fully browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare the creamy sauce. Add butter to the skillet with the browned beef and melt it. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Add the cheeses. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the cheeseburger Alfredo sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and garnish the pasta with chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose your favorite pasta shape like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni for best results.
- If you want a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Adding crispy bacon and pickles gives the dish its iconic cheeseburger flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Cheeseburger pasta, Alfredo pasta, loaded pasta recipe, creamy beef pasta, comfort food pasta
