Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – A Rich, Comforting Dish

If you love cheeseburgers and creamy pasta, this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate indulgence. Combining the savory flavor of ground beef and crispy bacon with a rich Alfredo sauce, smoky paprika, and gooey cheese, this dish is pure comfort in every bite. Dill pickles add a tangy contrast, reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger, while perfectly cooked pasta ties it all together. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but decadent enough to serve at a casual gathering or family meal.

Ingredients

Meat:

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 lb ground beef

Produce:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Condiments:

• 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1/3 cup dill pickles, chopped

Pasta & Grains:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or elbows work well)

Baking & Spices:

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Oils & Vinegars:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Dairy:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Optional garnish: fresh parsley, extra cheese, or crispy bacon bits.

Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. The reserved water can help adjust the sauce consistency later.

2. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove them from the skillet, let them cool slightly, and chop into small pieces. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor when cooking the beef.

3. Cook the Ground Beef

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet (with or without some bacon fat) and heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.

4. Make the Alfredo Mixture

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to combine with the cooked beef. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach a smooth, creamy consistency.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the cheesy beef-Alfredo mixture. Fold in the chopped bacon and dill pickles for that signature cheeseburger flavor.

6. Add Cheese and Serve

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the pasta and stir until melted and fully incorporated. For a richer presentation, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top or broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for the Perfect Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Balance flavors: Dill pickles add a tangy contrast—don’t skip them if you want that authentic cheeseburger taste.
• Avoid overcooking pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Adjust the creaminess: If the sauce seems too thick, add pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
• Make it extra indulgent: Top with more cheese or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, elbows, or even spaghetti work well with this creamy sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?
You can substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and omit the bacon. Add smoked paprika and extra seasoning for flavor.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but combine and cook the pasta with sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How spicy is this dish?
The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness without heat. If you like a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes.

Can this recipe be frozen?
It’s not ideal to freeze because cream-based sauces can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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Conclusion

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the best of two comfort foods into one indulgent, satisfying dish. With juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is rich, flavorful, and decadent. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, family meal, or casual gathering, this recipe is easy to make yet impressively flavorful. Add a side salad or garlic bread, and you have a complete comfort meal that everyone will love.