The perfect marriage between two comfort food powerhouses, cheeseburgers and Alfredo pasta, this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is rich, creamy, and completely satisfying. It brings together juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, melted cheddar and mozzarella, and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce with hints of ketchup and mustard to echo classic burger vibes.
Ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit at the family dinner table. With every bite delivering the nostalgic flavors of a loaded cheeseburger in a velvety pasta base, it’s a one-pot wonder that doesn’t skimp on indulgence. It also reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini pasta (or penne)
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 cups heavy cream
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1/2 cup cream cheese
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
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Stir in Dijon mustard and ketchup.
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Lower heat to medium, then add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese is fully melted and mixture is smooth.
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Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy.
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Add cooked pasta and stir to combine until well coated in sauce.
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Stir in crumbled bacon and remove from heat.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 720 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Fusion Meal
If there’s one thing that defines comfort food in the modern kitchen, it’s the ingenious fusion of two beloved dishes. Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is exactly that, a creamy, savory, mouthwatering blend of everything we love about cheeseburgers and the luscious indulgence of Alfredo pasta. Imagine biting into tender pasta drenched in a homemade creamy cheese sauce, loaded with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and just a hint of mustard and ketchup to bring in those classic burger vibes. This dish isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, potlucks, or even casual weekend cravings, this dish brings the best of both worlds together. It’s quick enough for a 30-minute dinner, rich enough to impress guests, and comforting enough to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. A Delicious Fusion
It’s rare to find a dish that combines two comfort food favorites, cheeseburgers and Alfredo pasta, so perfectly. The hearty flavors of ground beef seasoned like a cheeseburger are enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, creating a taste that’s familiar yet refreshingly new.
2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to pull off this decadent meal. Most of the components, pasta, beef, cheese, cream, bacon, are pantry staples or easily found in your local grocery store. The flavor complexity comes from the way these ingredients blend, not from anything exotic.
3. Customizable for Any Taste
You can switch up the cheese blend (think Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Fontina for more depth), add caramelized onions or jalapeños, or even swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. Prefer a spicy kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo base.
4. One-Pot Potential
Although this recipe involves boiling pasta separately, it can easily be converted into a one-pot meal by cooking the pasta directly in the cream and beef mixture with additional broth or water. That’s fewer dishes and more flavor absorbed by the noodles!
5. Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s picky kids, hungry teens, or adults looking for nostalgic flavors, this dish is a winner. The familiar taste of cheeseburgers combined with the luxurious texture of creamy pasta makes it a universal favorite.
The Flavor Profile
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is layered with flavor. At its core, it carries the deep, meaty umami of seasoned ground beef. The smoky saltiness of bacon cuts through the richness, while the cheddar and mozzarella create a gooey, stretchy cheese pull that’s irresistible. Cream cheese and heavy cream provide that classic Alfredo silkiness, and the unexpected twist comes from the Dijon mustard and ketchup, subtle but essential for that authentic cheeseburger feel.
Even the pasta plays a role in the overall experience. Rotini, penne, or any short pasta shape with grooves will hold the sauce better, ensuring that every bite is generously coated.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
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Don’t skip the mustard and ketchup. They might sound odd in pasta, but these are the game-changers. Just a tablespoon of each is enough to round out the cheeseburger flavor.
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Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
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Cook the bacon until crispy and save a few bits for topping. It adds texture and a beautiful visual appeal to the finished dish.
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Taste as you go. The saltiness of bacon and cheese can vary, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Variations to Try
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese:
Substitute the Alfredo sauce with a cheese sauce made from roux, milk, and cheddar. You’ll have a gooier, more classic mac & cheese feel with a burger twist.
Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Pasta:
Add diced pickled jalapeños and a bit of hot sauce to the mix. Top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
Low-Carb Version:
Swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or low-carb pasta alternatives. Use heavy cream and cheese as is for a keto-friendly version.
Vegetarian Adaptation:
Use plant-based ground meat and skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute. The flavor profile still stands strong with the rich cream and cheese.
Best Sides and Pairings
To balance the richness of the Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta, consider pairing it with lighter, crisp sides:
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Garlic bread or cheesy toast – for those who can’t resist carbs with carbs.
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Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
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Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
And for drinks? A cold soda, light beer, or even a sparkling lemonade works beautifully. If you’re looking to elevate the meal, a glass of chilled white wine (like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this dish are just as delicious, maybe even more so as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
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Microwave: Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
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Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a bit of added cream or broth to keep the sauce silky.
Avoid freezing, if possible, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed and reheated.
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or simply satisfying a craving, this dish fits every situation. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a main course and versatile enough to be reinvented with what you already have in your pantry.
Want to turn this into a baked casserole? Just transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly. Now it’s not just comfort food, it’s a showstopper.
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 720 kcal
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 45g
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
Note: Exact values will vary depending on the ingredients used.
Conclusion
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is more than just a creative fusion; it’s a testament to the versatility of classic comfort food. With bold, familiar flavors presented in a creamy, pasta-packed dish, it captures the hearts (and appetites) of everyone who tries it. It’s indulgent but not overly complicated, rich but still approachable, and absolutely bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping for guests, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe delivers every time. Once you try it, it just might become a staple in your recipe rotation, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy to the table with every bite.