Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta 🍔🍝
This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish that combines the best parts of a cheeseburger and pasta into one satisfying meal. With ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove excess fat if necessary and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- If using, add the chopped dill pickles and cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Make the Alfredo sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally to combine and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
5. Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta hot, topped with your favorite toppings like chopped green onions, extra cheddar cheese, or crumbled bacon for added flavor and crunch!
Tips for Success:
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. You could add some mozzarella for extra gooeyness or parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Add veggies: If you like, you can add extra veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, or even some crispy bacon bits to bring in more of that classic cheeseburger vibe.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the flavors of a cheeseburger and pasta in a creamy, cheesy delight. Enjoy!