This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is comfort food at its best! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors from ground beef, pasta, and tasty seasonings.
Your taste buds might just throw a party! 🎉 I love adding extra cheese on top, because, well, can you really have too much cheese? This dish is a hit for dinner anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fusilli Pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto all the creamy sauce. If you don’t have fusilli, feel free to use penne or rotini, which also work great!
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this recipe. You can easily swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use a plant-based ground meat if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to your sauce. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half, or for dairy-free, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute.
Cheese: Cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor, while Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. If you want something different, mozzarella can be used for a milder taste or you could mix in some pepper jack for a kick!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
To achieve a smooth, creamy sauce, it’s key to gradually add the cheese. Here’s how:
- After heating the cream, reduce the heat to low before adding cheese.
- Stir in the cheese slowly, one handful at a time, allowing it to melt before adding more.
- Keep stirring gently; this helps to blend the cheese evenly into the sauce.
This method ensures you avoid any lumps and get that silky texture in your Alfredo pasta.
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
For the Meat and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll get everything ready quickly and enjoy a creamy, cheesy meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 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, heat the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until it’s nicely browned, stirring occasionally. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Add the Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with deliciousness!
4. Cook the Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Continue cooking everything together for about 2-3 minutes, just until the tomatoes start to soften up a bit.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, then add in the onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Melt the Cheeses:
Gradually mix in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir constantly as they melt and meld into a creamy sauce. This is where your Alfredo comes to life!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce and all the flavors are beautifully combined.
8. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the pasta hot. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle on some extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent! Enjoy your delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for beef. Just be aware that they are leaner, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil or butter when cooking to enhance the flavor and keep the dish moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just ensure to check the labels, as some dairy-free options melt better than others!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. If using fresh greens like spinach, add them just before the pasta goes in, so they can wilt without overcooking.
