Description

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce and cheddar cheese with the savory flavors of ground beef and classic cheeseburger seasonings. This hearty one-pan dish is enhanced with tangy pickles and a hint of smoky paprika, making it a perfect family dinner that’s both comforting and full of bold taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces rotini or penne pasta

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional)

Flavorings and Seasonings

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup chopped dill pickles or pickle relish
1 tablespoon ketchup (optional for garnish)

Dairy and Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 ½ cups jarred or homemade Alfredo sauce
¼ cup milk (optional, to thin sauce)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside for later.
Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too greasy.
Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors and to lightly cook the garlic without burning it.
Incorporate Alfredo sauce and cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and add milk if you prefer a thinner sauce. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and cook until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy cheeseburger sauce.
Add pickles and melt topping cheese: Mix in the chopped dill pickles or relish for a tangy contrast. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or a light drizzle of ketchup to evoke the classic cheeseburger flavors. Serve hot and enjoy your loaded, creamy pasta dish.

Notes

For a bacon cheeseburger variation, add cooked crumbled bacon when mixing in the cheese.
Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
This recipe reheats well, making it great for meal prep and leftovers.
Adjust the amount of pickles to your taste for more or less tang.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 610
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 730mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg