Description

This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the best of two worlds: the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger. With ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a hint of ketchup and mustard, this dish is a fun and indulgent twist on traditional pasta. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta

For the Cheeseburger Meat:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp ketchup (optional)

1 tbsp mustard (optional)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add ketchup and mustard (if using) and mix well.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and ground beef to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Stir in chopped pickles (if using).
Garnish and Serve:
Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 40g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg