Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dinner that combines the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with smooth Alfredo sauce over tender pasta. This comforting dish features seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and Parmesan, and a touch of smoky paprika, with optional diced pickles and tomatoes to mimic the classic cheeseburger taste. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it offers a hearty and satisfying twist on traditional pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings & Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese & Mustard: Stir in the Dijon mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the cheeseburger Alfredo sauce.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If using, gently fold in the chopped pickles and diced tomatoes to enhance the cheeseburger flavor. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top for freshness. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat are excellent alternatives for a different protein source.
- Pickles and tomatoes are optional but add an authentic cheeseburger flavor; customize according to your preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a firm texture that holds up well in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
