Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dinner recipe that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a luscious Alfredo pasta. Ground beef is seasoned and simmered in Alfredo sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Crispy bacon, tangy dill pickles, and optional fresh tomatoes and lettuce add texture and vibrancy, creating an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the 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 to maintain firmness and avoid overcooking.
- Brown the ground 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 and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease carefully to reduce fat content.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat with these flavorful spices.
- Stir in Alfredo sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and optional mozzarella until melted and smooth, creating a luscious texture.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle crumbled bacon and diced dill pickles over the pasta mixture. For an authentic cheeseburger feel, add fresh chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce just before serving.
- Serve hot: Scoop the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta into bowls and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; keeping it al dente ensures it holds texture and blends nicely with the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for a better melt and creamier consistency.
- Choose a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce to maximize flavor, whether homemade or quality store-bought.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
