Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a delicious twist on two classic favorites: cheeseburgers and creamy Alfredo pasta. This comforting dish combines savory ground beef, rich cheese, and tangy pickles for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
• 8 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, rotini, or shells work well)
• 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)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• ⅓ cup diced dill pickles
• Optional: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and coat the beef with flavor.
4. Step 4: 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.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using), mixing until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Top with crumbled bacon and diced pickles. For extra cheeseburger vibes, add fresh tomatoes or shredded lettuce right before serving.
7. Step 7: Scoop into bowls and serve warm. It’s cheesy, meaty, and full of flavor—classic comfort food with a twist.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Swap dill pickles for bread-and-butter pickles if you prefer a sweeter tang.
• Add sautéed onions and mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-sensitive friendly.
• Incorporate a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help refresh the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Keep the pasta and sauce mixture refrigerated and reheat before serving. Add fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to keep them crisp.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like elbow, penne, rotini, or shells work best as they hold the creamy sauce and toppings nicely, creating a balanced bite every time.

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce with savory ground beef, melted cheeses, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles. Topped optionally with fresh tomatoes and shredded lettuce, this pasta dish offers all the delicious elements of a cheeseburger in a hearty, creamy pasta bowl perfect for satisfying cravings.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Cheese

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Pasta

• 8 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, rotini, or shells work well)

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)

Toppings (Optional)

• ⅓ cup diced dill pickles
• Chopped tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set aside to keep warm.
2. Brown the ground beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add seasonings: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the browned beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices and develop a rich flavor base.
4. Stir in Alfredo sauce: Lower the heat to low and pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir thoroughly to combine the sauce and meat. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and blend the flavors.
5. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy, creating a luscious, gooey texture.
6. Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and diced dill pickles over the pasta mixture. For an extra touch of classic cheeseburger flavor, add chopped fresh tomatoes and shredded lettuce just before serving.
7. Serve hot: Scoop the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta into bowls and serve immediately for a rich, hearty, and flavor-packed meal that combines the best of comfort food and cheeseburger goodness.

Notes

• For extra cheeseburger authenticity, use buns or serve with toasted bread alongside.
• You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian variation.
• Make your own Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan for a fresher taste.
• Adjust seasoning levels according to your taste preferences.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cheeseburger pasta, Alfredo pasta, ground beef pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, quick dinner