This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a tasty mix of flavors! It combines creamy Alfredo sauce with juicy ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness, all in one bowl.
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this dish! I love to serve it with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top—because why not? It’s a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini, but you can swap it for fusilli or even penne. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, making every bite delicious.
Ground beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken work great too. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or maybe a meat substitute.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be a suitable substitute, though it won’t be as creamy.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese really brings that cheeseburger flavor. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you prefer a different taste. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free meal.
Garlic and onion powder: If you have fresh garlic and onions, feel free to use them instead! Mincing fresh garlic and sautéing onions can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Without Creating a Greasy Mess?
Cooking ground beef can sometimes get messy, but with these simple steps, you’ll manage perfectly! Start by heating the skillet to medium heat before adding the olive oil and beef. This helps the meat cook evenly.
- Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and break it apart with a spatula. This will help it brown nicely.
- Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Drain any excess grease by tilting the skillet and using a spoon to remove it—this keeps your dish from being too oily.
These steps will help you achieve flavorful and perfectly cooked beef without the extra grease!
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta will take about 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the pasta, plus 20 minutes cooking the beef and mixing everything together. It’s a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. Remember to drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are warmed through.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This will make a rich, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Stir well to ensure every noodle is coated in that delicious sauce.
6. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir continuously until everything is melted and beautifully combined.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Bring your Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta to the table immediately! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra cheese if you like. Dig in and enjoy this comforting dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lighter alternative. Just remember, since these meats can be leaner, you might want to add a little extra olive oil or butter while cooking to prevent dryness.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (for each cup of heavy cream, combine 3/4 cup milk with 1/4 cup melted butter). This will change the richness slightly, but it will still create a creamy sauce!
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the ground beef. Just sauté them until tender before adding the tomatoes for a delicious boost of flavor and nutrition.
