Description

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the rich, creamy flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with the hearty, savory taste of a cheeseburger. Ground beef seasoned with spices is cooked and blended into a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, all tossed with your choice of pasta. Garnished with pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley, this dish brings the indulgence of a cheeseburger in a comforting pasta form perfect for a family dinner or casual meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat 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)

Sauces and Dairy

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

Spices and Butter

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

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Instructions

Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add cream and broth: To the cooked beef, add the butter, heavy cream, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Season and thicken the sauce: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and thickened.
Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly. Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is heated through and fully flavored.
Add garnishes: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and freshly chopped parsley over the top to add texture and freshness.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the sauce a richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
This recipe works well with various pasta shapes; use your favorite or what you have on hand.
Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American