Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, bringing together all the bold, hearty flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the decadence of a creamy Alfredo sauce. Imagine tender pasta wrapped in a rich cheese sauce, topped with juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, and crispy bacon—every bite delivers a familiar yet totally new experience! This easy weeknight dinner is not only kid-approved but also impressive enough for sharing with friends, promising smiles around the table with every twirled forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple yet well-chosen these ingredients are; each one plays a crucial role in the creamy, savory, and punchy layers that make this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta so irresistible. Grab these items, and you’ll be on your way to cheesy, beefy bliss in just half an hour!
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Sturdy shapes like penne or rotini soak up all that luscious sauce while giving a satisfying bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a little richness and ensures the beef browns up beautifully without sticking.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty star of the dish, bringing juicy flavor and classic cheeseburger vibes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every savory note in the beef and sauce.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers all the beloved flavor of garlic with no chopping required.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory depth, just like a good burger seasoning.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Brings a bit of sweetness and tang, echoing classic burger condiments.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a zesty, sharp bite for that true cheeseburger feel.
- Alfredo sauce (2 cups): The creamy backbone—use your favorite jarred brand or make it from scratch for extra love.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into the sauce for loads of gooey, sharp flavor.
- Dill pickles, chopped (1/4 cup): The tangy burst that wakes up every bite (don’t skip these, even if you’re a pickle skeptic!).
- Red onion, finely diced (1/4 cup): Adds crispness and a little sharp sweetness.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled (1/4 cup, optional): For smoky, crunchy decadence — because bacon makes everything better.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, herbal finish that pops against the creamy sauce.
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain it well and set aside—you want it still a little firm so it holds up after mixing with the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s richly browned and crumbly. Don’t rush this part—the bit of caramelization you get here adds a ton of flavor to the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as the beef nears full browning. These everyday spices pack a punch, echoing the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger. Stir well to be sure every bite is seasoned.
Step 4: Add the Burger Sauce Base
Stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard, blending into the beef mixture. The ketchup brings sweet tang while the mustard cuts through for balance—immediately, you’ll notice those familiar burger aromas filling your kitchen!
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Pour in your Alfredo sauce, stirring to combine with the beef. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—let it bubble for a minute or two so all the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine With Pasta and Cheese
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing so every piece is generously coated in that luscious sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into creamy ribbons and everything is shimmering with gooey richness.
Step 7: Finish With Pickles and Onions
Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped dill pickles and diced red onion. This surprise step brings a burst of color, freshness, and the unmistakable flavors that make this more than just a “burger-inspired” pasta.
Step 8: Top and Serve
If using, scatter crispy bacon over the top, then finish with a flutter of chopped parsley. Serve the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta warm and don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers!
How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, a pinch of fresh parsley, and some extra chopped pickles make for a showstopping finish. The pop of green from the parsley and the zing from the pickles elevate every forkful, making the dish as vibrant as it is flavorful.
Side Dishes
Serve your Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or keep it classic with a basket of garlic bread. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are also delightful, balancing the richness of the pasta with some lightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic look that keeps everything piping hot. Or, pile the pasta into a big, family-style bowl and let everyone dig in at the table—don’t forget a side of extra crispy bacon for sprinkling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and the flavors deepen as they sit, so it’s just as satisfying the second time around.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save extra, you can freeze this dish! Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave leftovers, stirring every minute or so, until hot. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen things up. Alternatively, warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring gently and adding liquid as needed for a silky sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative work beautifully in Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. Just adjust the seasoning as needed for your chosen protein.
What type Main Course
Both homemade and store-bought Alfredo sauce work well. If you’re short on time, grab your favorite jarred version. For a more decadent touch, a homemade sauce with real cream and Parmesan is unbeatable.
Are the pickles essential, or can I leave them out?
The pickles add that signature cheeseburger tang, but they’re optional if you’re not a pickle fan. You can swap in chopped tomatoes or a sprinkle of green onions for a different kick.
How can I make this dish even cheesier?
For super-loaded cheesiness, add extra cheddar on top and pop the pasta under the broiler for a couple of minutes until bubbling and golden. Mozzarella or Colby Jack also melt deliciously into the sauce.
Is Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta spicy?
This dish isn’t spicy as written, but if your crowd loves heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you love both burgers and pasta, you honestly can’t go wrong with Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta—it’s comfort food with a twist you’ll crave again and again. Don’t be shy, gather your favorite toppings, and give this recipe a try. Your friends and family will thank you for bringing something new and totally delicious to the table!
Print
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta recipe. Creamy Alfredo sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, and all the classic cheeseburger fixings. It’s a delicious twist on two beloved dishes!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Cheeseburger Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheeseburger Sauce: Brown ground beef in olive oil, season, add ketchup, mustard, and Alfredo sauce. Simmer, then add pasta and cheddar cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in pickles and red onion, top with bacon if desired, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, top with more cheddar and broil before serving.
- You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat as a substitute.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or tomatoes for a veggie boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
