This creamy, cheesy, and indulgent pasta dish combines the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the richness of Alfredo sauce. It’s a fun twist on comfort food that’s sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta (holds sauce well)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Flavor Boosters:
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced (adds sweetness and depth)
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped (optional) (adds a tangy bite)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for rich, savory flavor)
Cheesy Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk (creates a creamy base)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (classic cheeseburger flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds richness)
- 2 tbsp butter (for a silky texture)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (enhances cheeseburger taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds depth)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- Crispy bacon bits
- Extra shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
Construction (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef & Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- (Optional) Stir in chopped pickles for extra cheeseburger flavor.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard, whisking until smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and stir until well coated.
5. Serve & Garnish:
- Sprinkle with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Twist: Add crispy bacon for extra smoky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Healthier Version: Use ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- BBQ Cheeseburger Style: Replace Alfredo sauce with ½ cup BBQ sauce for a tangy kick.
- Mushroom Swiss Style: Use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar and add sautéed mushrooms.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmer for a few minutes to ensure a rich, creamy consistency.
- Balance the Flavors: The pickles, Dijon, and Parmesan help cut through the richness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Would you add pickles or keep it classic?