Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and cheesy dish that brings together all your favorite burger flavors in a bowl! With pasta, ground beef, and a rich sauce, it’s pure comfort food.
This dish is a winner for busy weeknights—it’s quick to make and super satisfying. I love serving it with garlic bread to soak up the yummy Alfredo sauce. Who doesn’t love that? 🍔🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini as its twists hold onto the creamy sauce really well. However, feel free to swap it with penne or fusilli for a similar effect!
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this dish its hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works too, just be sure to season well to keep the flavor rich.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the dish so creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like coconut cream, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but you could use mild if you prefer something less intense. Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses also works great here.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Getting your sauce just right is key to a delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. It’s all about the heat and timing!
- Cook the beef until browned, then drain excess fat. This keeps your sauce from being too greasy.
- Add onions and garlic before putting in the tomatoes to build a base of flavor.
- When adding the heavy cream, lower the heat! This prevents the cream from curdling.
- Mix in the cheese slowly, letting each addition melt fully for that luscious, creamy texture.
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional cheese, if desired
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for this recipe. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook the dish. Perfect for a quick, tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. If there’s extra fat, you can drain it off to keep your dish nice and lean.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. The aroma will be fantastic!
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. This adds a nice flavor and texture to your sauce.
5. Make It Creamy:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat to low. Mix in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into a creamy sauce. Stir it gently until everything is blended together smoothly.
6. Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Taste a little to see if you want to add more seasoning.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. This is where the magic happens!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta warm. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and more cheese if you like. Enjoy this delicious, hearty meal!
## FAQ Section for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, feel free to substitute the meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, although the sauce may be less thick and creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well, but keep in mind it will have a slight coconut flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or additional cream to help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
