This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and cheesy treat that combines the best of pasta and burgers in one dish! With tasty ground beef, pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that’s like a hug in a bowl? I like to top mine with extra cheese and some crispy bacon for the ultimate experience. Yum! 🍔🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fusilli Pasta: This pasta shape is great for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have fusilli, other shapes like rotini or penne work well too. Just make sure it’s a pasta that can trap the sauce well!
Ground Beef: I love using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, but it might not be as thick. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or a nut-based milk with a thickener.
Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. For a twist, try using pepper jack for some heat! If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh or canned work great. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth. If you’re looking for less acidity, use sun-dried tomatoes instead.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Without Creating a Mess?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky if you’re not careful about draining the excess fat. Here’s how to do it without hassle:
- Cook the beef and onions together over medium heat. This allows the onions to flavor the beef.
- Break up the meat as it cooks—this helps it cook evenly and prevents clumps.
- Once browned, tilt the skillet slightly, letting the fat pool on one side. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out what you don’t need.
- If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain the whole skillet into a bowl lined with paper towels, then return the beef to the pan.
By following these steps, you’ll have lovely, flavorful beef without the greasiness!
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and so satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook the mixture until the beef is nicely browned, and the onion turns translucent. Don’t forget to break up the meat as it cooks for even browning!
3. Add Garlic and Season:
Once the beef and onion are cooked, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells all garlicky and delicious. If there’s any excess grease in the skillet, be sure to drain it off.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Next, add the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Let everything cook together for about 2-3 minutes to let the flavors mingle beautifully.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time for the cream! Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Stir in the Cheeses:
Lower the heat to keep the sauce warm, and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt into a creamy goodness.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet and toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the cheesy sauce for the best flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal with family and friends!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats that may cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and butter (2 tablespoons of butter melted into 1 cup of milk) for a lighter version. Keep in mind that using lower-fat milk might make the sauce less creamy.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta as you warm it up on the stove. This will help restore some of the creaminess.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to add more flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and beef for a few extra minutes until tender before adding the rest of the ingredients.
