Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dinner combining seasoned ground beef, rich Alfredo sauce, and tender pasta. This comforting dish is topped with crispy bacon, tangy dill pickles, and optional fresh vegetables for a twist on classic cheeseburger flavors in a hearty pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
Toppings
- ⅓ cup diced dill pickles
- Optional: chopped tomatoes
- Optional: shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with these flavorful spices.
- Stir in Alfredo sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir continuously until the sauce is well combined with the beef. Let it gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar and optional mozzarella cheeses and mix until fully melted and creamy.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle crumbled bacon and diced dill pickles over the pasta. For added freshness and authentic cheeseburger flavor, optionally top with chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce just before serving.
- Serve hot: Scoop the pasta into bowls and serve warm. This dish offers a cheesy, meaty comfort food experience with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente so it retains texture without becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and a smoother sauce.
- Choose a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce—homemade is ideal but quality store-bought options work well too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
