Description
This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy Alfredo sauce, tossed with penne pasta for a rich and satisfying dish. Ground beef is browned and mixed with sautéed onions and garlic, then combined with a luscious cheese sauce featuring cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, finished with crispy bacon and optional pickles for that authentic burger twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comfort food twist is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Crispy Bacon, crumbled
Pasta
- 12 oz Penne Pasta (or your preferred pasta)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Pickles, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened
Oils and Sauces
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer beef to a plate to set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk mixture, bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Stir in shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese. Whisk continuously until all cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Beef and Pasta: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and mix into the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Add Toppings: Stir in the crispy crumbled bacon and chopped pickles if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Spoon the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta into serving bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or reduce the amount of cream cheese.
- Pickles add an authentic cheeseburger tang but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother sauce and better melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
