Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a rich and creamy dinner dish combining the savory flavors of ground beef, smoky bacon, tangy pickles, and a cheesy Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting recipe blends the indulgence of a cheeseburger with the smoothness of creamy Alfredo, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, rotini, or shells)
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- â…“ cup diced dill pickles
- Optional: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Beef: Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and coat the beef with flavor.
- Add Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the Alfredo sauce to the cooked beef, stirring until everything is well blended. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Toss with Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using), mixing until melted and creamy.
- Add Toppings: Top with crumbled bacon and diced pickles. For extra cheeseburger vibes, add fresh tomatoes or shredded lettuce right before serving.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy a cheesy, meaty, and flavorful comfort meal.
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shapes like elbow, penne, rotini, or shells to hold the creamy sauce well.
- The mozzarella cheese is optional but adds extra meltiness and stretchiness to the dish.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Extra toppings like pickles and bacon bring a true cheeseburger feel. Add fresh tomatoes and shredded lettuce for a more authentic touch.
- Homemade Alfredo sauce can be used for fresher flavor, or store-bought for convenience.
