Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, hearty dish combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with rich Alfredo sauce and tender penne pasta. Ground beef is browned and mixed with sautéed onions and garlic, then blended with cheeses and cream to create a luscious sauce. Topped with crispy bacon and optional pickles for an extra burst of flavor, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Crispy Bacon, crumbled
Pasta
- 12 oz Penne Pasta (or your preferred pasta)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings and Others
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup Pickles, chopped (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer the beef to a bowl, setting aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheeses have melted smoothly, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Season the sauce with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well with the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta completely in the creamy cheeseburger-flavored sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add Toppings and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the crumbled crispy bacon and chopped pickles, if using, for extra texture and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for a comforting and indulgent meal.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother sauce consistency.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Pickles add a nice tang but can be left out if you prefer a purely creamy dish.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
