Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a rich and creamy dish combining the savory flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheeses tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a luscious Alfredo sauce. Enhanced with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and optional pickles for a tangy crunch, this hearty comfort meal serves 4 to 6 and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Crispy Bacon, crumbled
Pasta and Dairy
- 12 oz Penne Pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Pickles, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then set the beef mixture aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and softened cream cheese. Cook, stirring continuously, until all cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it evenly into the creamy cheese sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and beef. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Add bacon and pickles: Stir in the crispy crumbled bacon and chopped pickles if using. Mix gently to distribute throughout the pasta.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Pickles add a tangy crunch and are optional but highly recommended for authenticity to the ‘loaded cheeseburger’ flavor profile.
- If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add more cream cheese.
- For an extra smoky flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Reserve pasta water carefully to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning it too much.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creaminess.
