Description

Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a rich and creamy comfort dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with luscious Alfredo pasta. This recipe features browned ground beef seasoned with smoky spices, tossed with a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce loaded with Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, and finished with tangy pickles and tomatoes for a delightful twist on traditional comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pasta

1 pound pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)

Alfredo Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for serving

Toppings and Mix-ins

1/4 cup chopped dill pickles, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer while stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir until fully melted and smooth. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in yellow mustard and ketchup. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and toss to combine. Fold in chopped dill pickles and chopped tomatoes.
Serve: Immediately serve garnished with extra Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, chopped dill pickles, tomatoes, and optional toppings such as crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, or sesame seeds.

Notes

Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer, creamier Alfredo sauce.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
For a spicy kick, include cayenne pepper; omit for a milder dish.
Optional toppings add extra texture and flavor; customize as desired.
Drain excess grease from ground beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal