Description
This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the irresistible flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy Alfredo pasta. Featuring ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered in a rich cream sauce loaded with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and finished with tangy pickles and fresh tomatoes, this dish is a perfect comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Dairy
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup chopped pickles (optional)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the 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.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to coat all the noodles with the rich cheeseburger Alfredo sauce.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, stir in the chopped pickles and diced tomatoes to add tang and freshness to the dish. Let everything heat through for 1 to 2 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve the pasta warm for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you want to spice it up.
- You can swap the cheddar with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American