Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy Alfredo sauce and tender pasta. Ground beef is seasoned and browned, then simmered in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, beef broth, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses with hints of Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika. Tossed with pasta and garnished with pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley, this recipe brings the ultimate savory satisfaction in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (for garnish)
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta & Sauces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be incorporated later into the sauce.
- 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 and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Add Liquids and Flavorings: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in butter, heavy cream, and beef broth. Then add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly to build the base of the sauce.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Lower the heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses into the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheeseburger Alfredo sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley over the top as garnish. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- For extra cheesiness, add a handful of mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
