Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that combines the comfort of Alfredo pasta with the flavors of a cheeseburger. With ground beef, cheese, bacon, and all the classic burger toppings, this dish is a sure winner for a hearty dinner.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta:
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
- Salt (for the pasta water)
For the Cheeseburger Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for cheeseburger flavor)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (optional, for a tangy twist)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 4-6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
- Pickles, chopped (optional)
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
2. Prepare the Cheeseburger Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef and sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat and add the Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheeseburger Alfredo sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Let the pasta simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
5. Top and Serve:
- Serve the pasta on plates and sprinkle with crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles (if using) to give it that “loaded cheeseburger” vibe.
- Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese for an even cheesier finish.
Variations and Tips:
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Meatless Option: You could use a plant-based ground “beef” or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian or vegan option.
This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta. Perfect for those nights when you want something indulgent and satisfying! Would you be serving it with any sides or just as a standalone meal?