Description

This Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta recipe combines the rich, creamy flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with the hearty, savory goodness of a cheeseburger. Featuring tender ground beef seasoned with smoky and spicy spices, creamy Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, and tangy pickles and tomatoes, this dish is a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s a tasty fusion that brings the best of two beloved comfort foods into one satisfying pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pasta

1 pound pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)

Alfredo Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for serving

Additional Ingredients

1/4 cup chopped dill pickles, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, sesame seeds

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Instructions

Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then set aside.
Cook the Pasta: While cooking the beef, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens about 5-7 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses; continue stirring until fully melted. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in yellow mustard and ketchup. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Add ground beef mixture and toss to combine. Stir in chopped dill pickles and chopped tomatoes.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, chopped dill pickles, chopped tomatoes, and optional toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, or sesame seeds.

Notes

Use whole milk for a richer Alfredo sauce; you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter option.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
Reserve pasta water to thin out the Alfredo sauce if it becomes too thick.
Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Optional toppings add extra texture and flavor, but the dish is delicious on its own.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American