There’s nothing quite like a truly comforting, weeknight pasta dish, and this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta brings together all the flavors you love from a classic cheeseburger with the creamy decadence of Alfredo sauce. Packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and a pop of tang from tomatoes and pickles, it’s indulgent in the best way. Each forkful is a perfectly cheesy, hearty bite, making this recipe an instant hit with kids and adults alike — especially when you’re craving something just a little over the top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this dish plays a special role, combining for the ultimate comfort food experience. Gathering these simple, grocery-store staples will set you up to create Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta that’s just as impressive as it is easy.

12 oz penne pasta: Sturdy and perfectly shaped for catching every drop of luscious sauce.
1 lb ground beef: Brings savory, classic cheeseburger flavor and heartiness to the dish.
1 tbsp olive oil: Just a little keeps everything from sticking and ups the richness.
1 small onion, diced: Sautéed for sweetness and added depth — don’t skip for flavor!
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic background to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: For that signature Alfredo creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel.
1 cup milk: Balances richness with a lighter texture, making the sauce oh-so-silky.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds golden cheeseburger goodness and a bit of sharpness.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Iconic for Alfredo, this cheese adds salty, nutty notes.
2 tbsp cream cheese: Thickens the sauce while adding more tangy, creamy vibes.
2 tbsp ketchup: The secret nod to all great burgers; brings sweetness and nostalgia.
1 tbsp yellow mustard: Just a touch for a tangy, unmistakable burger profile.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Gives everything a gently smoky, earthy undertone.
Salt and black pepper to taste: For perfect seasoning and to make all the flavors pop.
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Layers on a smoky, crispy accent that’s totally irresistible.
1 cup diced tomatoes: Pops of brightness and color; like the fresh toppings on your favorite burger.
2 green onions, sliced: Finishing touch for color, crunch, and gentle onion flavor.
Pickles for garnish (optional): For that signature cheeseburger tang! A must if you’re a pickle fan.

How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the penne, and cook just until al dente. This texture is crucial — you want the pasta to hold up once it’s coated in sauce. Drain thoroughly and set aside (if it’s ready before your sauce, toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil so it doesn’t stick together).

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Make sure to brown it well for maximum burger flavor. Drain off any excess fat if needed to keep the sauce from getting greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and turns translucent. This will bring a lovely sweetness and new depth to your sauce base.

Step 4: Build the Alfredo Cheeseburger Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium, then pour in the heavy cream and milk. Add in shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir well and keep it moving gently as the cheeses melt, until everything comes together into a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked penne into the skillet, tossing to ensure every piece is totally blanketed in creamy cheeseburger Alfredo. Keep the heat low and work gently — you want to maintain the pasta’s shape and get it perfectly sauced.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Scatter in the crumbled bacon and diced tomatoes, stirring just enough to distribute them without breaking up the tomatoes. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. This step transforms the dish from simple to “loaded” and ensures texture in every bite.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over the sliced green onions for color and crunch. If you love pickles on your burger, don’t hesitate to dot the top of each portion with a few slices — it’s the final wink to classic cheeseburger flavor!

How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

I always recommend piling on those green onions, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss a handful of thinly sliced dill pickles right on top. Crumbled bacon, a little extra cheddar, or even a light dusting of smoked paprika work wonders for visual appeal and flavor—make it as loaded as your heart desires!

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs well with a bright side salad of crisp lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, lightly dressed. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Feeling classic? Serve with pickled veggies or coleslaw for a fun diner-style twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful party vibe, serve Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta in small individual skillets or ramekins, each one topped just how your guests like it. Another fun spin: mound it into lettuce “cups” for a playful burger-and-pasta mashup, or spoon leftovers into baked bell peppers for a totally new meal the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but that just makes it all the more decadent for the next day’s lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this pasta, let it cool completely first, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For the best texture, add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce and bring back its creamy magic.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm portions in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring in a little milk or water as needed to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch too—just take care to stir halfway through and avoid overheating, which can separate the sauce. Finish with fresh garnishes to brighten everything up.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini, shells, or even fusilli work just as well—they all grab onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Use what you have on hand or pick based on your favorite shape and texture.

How can I make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You can also use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and consider reducing the cheese amounts slightly if you want fewer calories while still keeping that rich flavor.

Can I add extra veggies to this recipe?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even finely diced zucchini blend in seamlessly and add extra nutrition. Just cook them down with the onions and garlic to make sure they’re tender and caramelized before adding the dairy and cheese.

What kind of pickles work best for garnish?

Classic dill pickles are my first choice for topping Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. You can slice them thin or even chop them for a fun pickle relish effect. Bread-and-butter pickles work if you enjoy a hint of sweetness, but regular dills give that traditional cheeseburger flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

The trick is to keep your heat low once you add the dairy and cheeses. Stir slowly and continuously until the cheeses melt completely into the sauce. Using block cheese you shred yourself (instead of pre-shredded) can also help, as it melts more smoothly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta brings burger night and pasta night together into one irresistible, creamy, flavor-packed dish. It’s pure comfort food with a twist, and I bet it’ll become a new favorite around your table. Don’t be afraid to get creative with garnishes and make it your own—happy cooking!

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. A creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce loaded with ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, and green onions over perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a delicious twist on a classic cheeseburger!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings:

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 green onions, sliced
Pickles for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef in olive oil; add onion and garlic until softened.
Make Cheese Sauce: Combine heavy cream, milk, cheddar, Parmesan, cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, and paprika until smooth.
Combine: Mix pasta with sauce, bacon, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and pickles before serving hot.