Description

Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful fusion dish combining the creamy, cheesy richness of classic Alfredo sauce with the savory, spiced taste of ground beef seasoned like a cheeseburger. This comforting pasta recipe features a mix of Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, along with dill pickles and tomatoes to capture the essence of a cheeseburger in every bite. Perfect for a hearty dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

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
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup

Toppings and Mix-ins

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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 until browned, about 7-10 minutes, then drain excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant, then set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet or Dutch oven (after removing the beef mixture), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps, then bring to a simmer while stirring until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth. If sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Stir in yellow mustard and ketchup. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked ground beef mixture back to the skillet and combine thoroughly. Stir in chopped dill pickles and tomatoes to complete the cheeseburger flavor.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella cheeses, chopped pickles, tomatoes, and any optional toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Use whole milk and heavy cream for the richest, creamiest Alfredo sauce.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce as needed.
For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef for a less oily dish.
Customize toppings such as bacon or red onion according to your preference.