If you have been craving the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger combined with the creamy indulgence of Alfredo pasta, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe. This dish takes all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, melted cheddar, tangy pickles, and bacon—and wraps them up in a luscious, cheesy Alfredo sauce that clings to perfectly cooked rotini or penne pasta. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal bursting with rich flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these essential ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role—from the tender pasta providing the perfect base, to the savory beef and rich cheeses that create the sauce’s soul.
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne): These shapes hold onto the sauce wonderfully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty, flavorful core of the dish that makes it truly a cheeseburger experience.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mellow garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet, savory undertone that complements the beef beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, creating that signature cheeseburger cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty complexity and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The silky base of the Alfredo that makes this pasta irresistibly luscious.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: A hint of sweetness and tanginess reminiscent of classic burger toppings.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds a little zing and authentic cheeseburger flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles: Brings a crisp, briny contrast that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional): For an extra smoky crunch if you want to go all out.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect garnishes that add freshness and a fun finish.
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until it’s just al dente. Saving a bit of the pasta water before draining is key—it helps you loosen the sauce later, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add in your seasoned ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Break it apart as it cooks, cooking until no pink remains and the beef is beautifully browned. If there’s a bit of excess fat, drain it off for a cleaner finish.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Alfredo Base
Turn the heat down to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheeses, letting everything melt together into a silky, cheesy sauce that clings to each shred of beef. This step is the heart of the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Add Burger Flavors
Now for the magic—stir in ketchup and yellow mustard, infusing the sauce with that unmistakable cheeseburger tang and pizazz. These little touches transform the pasta into something truly special.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked pasta into your savory sauce, tossing gently. If the sauce feels thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it reaches a dreamy, velvety texture. Then stir in those crunchy pickles and crisp bacon bits if you’re using them, distributing the fun flavors evenly.
Step 6: Final Simmer and Serve
Let everything cook together for another minute or two to meld the flavors and warm through. Then dish it out, and if you like, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a burst of color and crunch.
How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped green onions adds a fresh, sharp bite that contrasts the creamy pasta, while sesame seeds give a subtle nutty crunch and a visually appealing finish. You can also add a little extra shredded cheddar on top if you want to really go for that ooey-gooey cheeseburger vibe.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light sides such as a crisp garden salad or steamed veggies to balance the rich flavors. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread or crispy fries to keep the cheeseburger spirit alive throughout your entire dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual portions. You could even layer it with fresh lettuce and tomato slices for a deconstructed cheeseburger pasta bowl that’s both playful and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so making this dish ahead can be a real treat!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pasta dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften a bit after freezing, but the flavors remain deliciously intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to refresh the creamy sauce. Microwaving is fine too—just stir occasionally to heat evenly and maintain that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne are ideal for capturing the sauce, fusilli, shells, or even rigatoni will work great. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils for a hearty, meat-free version that still delivers on flavor.
Can I use a lighter cream or milk?
Using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream will make the sauce less rich and creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream or a blend of cream and milk to maintain that dreamy texture.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta from drying out?
Saving some pasta water and stirring it into the sauce before combining with the pasta helps keep things moist and silky. Also, avoid overcooking the pasta initially.
Can I add veggies to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed onions, diced tomatoes, or even bell peppers can be mixed in for extra flavor and nutrition without compromising the classic cheeseburger taste.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe is a game changer for busy nights and comfort food cravings alike. It’s easy to make, bursting with bold flavors, and creamy satisfaction that feels both familiar and exciting on the palate. Give it a try—you may find yourself coming back to this cheesy, meaty marvel time and time again!
Print
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish combining classic cheeseburger flavors with rich Alfredo sauce and pasta. Ground beef is seasoned and cooked to perfection, then mixed with a luscious cheese and cream sauce, tossed with rotini or penne pasta, and garnished with pickles, bacon, and green onions for a fun twist on comfort food perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add-ins and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese into the cooked beef until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard to the sauce and beef mixture, blending thoroughly for that classic cheeseburger flavor in the creamy base.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Stir in the chopped pickles and, if using, chopped cooked bacon. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta topped with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor if desired.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Add sautéed onions or diced tomatoes for enhanced flavor and texture.
- This dish captures the taste of a cheeseburger in a creamy pasta form, ideal as comforting weeknight dinner fare.
