Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish combining the rich flavors of cheeseburger with creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta. Ground beef seasoned with classic spices is mixed into a luscious blend of heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, creating a decadent sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. Garnished with pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley, this recipe delivers a deliciously indulgent meal in just 30 minutes.
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)
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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: To the skillet with the browned beef, add butter, heavy cream, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season and Flavor: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through, allowing flavors to meld.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chopped parsley for added texture and flavor contrasts.
- Serve: Serve the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta hot, ideally with a side salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Enjoy this rich and satisfying meal!
Notes
- Choose pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni for best sauce adherence.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
- For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less creamy texture.
- Garnishing with pickles adds a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
