Description

Get ready to indulge in a decadent mash-up with this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta! Think creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce meets juicy, seasoned ground beef and all your favorite burger toppings—mixed in with tender pasta. It’s an ultra-comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s totally customizable and perfect for weeknight dinners or family-friendly meals.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta & Beef

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Alfredo Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste

For the “Burger” Toppings

½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced tomato
½ cup chopped pickles
¼ cup chopped lettuce or shredded iceberg
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Extra cheddar cheese, for melting

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Season beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high, cook beef until fully browned. Drain extra fat and transfer beef to a bowl.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in cream and milk; simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, cheddar, and nutmeg; cook until cheeses melt and sauce smooths. Season to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Beef
Return beef to skillet, add cooked pasta and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Stir gently to coat everything in sauce.

Step 5: Add Burger Toppings
Fold in onion, tomato, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and crumbled bacon (if using). Stir just enough to mix flavors—keep textures intact.

Step 6: Melt and Serve
Top the pasta with extra cheddar; cover briefly so cheese melts. Serve hot and enjoy all the burger-inspired flavors.

Notes

Use Thick-Cut Pasta – Helps hold the creamy sauce
Reserve Pasta Water – Adds silkiness and helps sauce cling
Freshly Grate Cheeses – Melts better than pre-shredded
Balance Toppings – Add more or less condiments to match your taste
Make It Ahead – Prepare sauce and beef; mix with pasta and toppings before serving

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American