Description

Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a decadent and flavorful fusion dish combining the rich creaminess of classic Alfredo sauce with the savory, seasoned goodness of cheeseburger ingredients. This comforting pasta features ground beef cooked with onions and spices, tossed with a creamy trio of Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, and topped with tangy dill pickles and fresh tomatoes. Finished with mustard and ketchup for an authentic cheeseburger flair, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Ground 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

Additional Toppings

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

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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. 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 1 more minute until fragrant. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta: While beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook as per package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet or Dutch oven (after removing beef mixture), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth. Simmer and stir until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir until fully melted. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in yellow mustard and ketchup, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta: Add cooked pasta to Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and stir to combine. Fold in chopped dill pickles and chopped tomatoes.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, additional chopped dill pickles, tomatoes, and optional toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, or sesame seeds.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and juiciness.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
Optional cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick; omit if preferred mild.
For extra cheeseburger flavor, top with crumbled bacon or chopped red onions.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
Use whole milk and heavy cream for a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.