If you love the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger but are looking for an exciting twist, this Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends the comforting heartiness of ground beef seasoned just right with the creamy, melty goodness of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and zesty toppings bring vibrant pops of flavor and texture that turn this dish into a dinner sensation. It’s comfort food reimagined in the most delicious way, guaranteed to satisfy your craving and impress anyone gathered around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in this dish. From the hearty beef to the sharp cheddar, every item adds to the signature flavor that makes this recipe special.
- 12 ounces short pasta (rotini or penne): The perfect vessel to hold onto all that cheesy, meaty sauce in every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the beef and brings a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Introduces sweetness and depth once softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder: A subtle tang that echoes classic burger condiments.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a savory base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Delivers luxurious richness and smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings sweet tomato flavor reminiscent of cheeseburgers.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds that signature burger tanginess.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese with bold flavor and great meltiness.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Balances with creamy melt and stretch.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Crispy texture and smoky saltiness to elevate the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles: Provides a crisp, tangy contrast that brightens flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Adds fresh color and a mild onion bite as a topping.
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means perfectly tender but still a little firm to the bite. Drain it well and set aside because this will soak up all the amazing cheeseburger sauce later. Cooking the pasta just right is key to avoid mushiness once it mixes with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning and maximum flavor development. Cooking the meat this way locks in its juicy, savory goodness and creates little crispy bits that add texture.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder, cooking everything together for about 30 seconds to release those deep, fragrant aromas that build a flavor base reminiscent of your favorite burger joint.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Then add the ketchup and yellow mustard, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combination brings both creaminess and tanginess that mirror cheeseburger condiments in a luscious pasta sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt smoothly into the sauce. This creates a rich, velvety texture that coats every strand of pasta delightfully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Bacon
Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet, stirring until everything is well coated and heated through. The bacon sprinkling adds the perfect crispy, smoky element, making every bite feel indulgent.
Step 7: Finish with Toppings
Remove the skillet from heat and top with the chopped pickles and green onions. These add fresh pops of color and a tangy crunch, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef.
How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions and crunchy pickles are the easiest garnishes that really transform this dish into a loaded cheeseburger experience. Feel free to add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard on top for visual appeal and flavor enhancement.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies make perfect sides, adding freshness and balance to the indulgent pasta. You could also serve some classic French fries or garlic bread for a full-on comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, consider serving this loaded cheeseburger pasta in individual cast iron skillets or mini Dutch ovens at the table. It’s also fantastic layered in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broiled for a golden crust. The key is to embrace those classic burger vibes while keeping the dish cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify after resting overnight, making it a great option for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure you leave some room for expansion and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out or sticking to the pan. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne work great to hold the sauce, other short pastas like fusilli, rigatoni, or even macaroni are excellent choices. Just be sure to cook them al dente for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that still pairs wonderfully with the cheese and seasonings. Just be mindful that turkey can cook faster and might dry out, so watch it closely while browning.
Can I add more cheese for extra cheesiness?
Definitely. You can add an extra 1/2 cup or more of shredded cheddar cheese or mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different twist. Just add them gradually to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?
This recipe has a mild spice profile mostly from black pepper and paprika. If you want more heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. It’s flexible to your taste!
What are some good vegetarian substitutions for this dish?
For a vegetarian version, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cheese and sauce remain the same for a rich, fulfilling meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe because it captures all the joy of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, cheesy, easy-to-make pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds without hesitation!
Print
Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta is a hearty and flavorful American main course that combines the classic taste of a cheeseburger with creamy pasta. This dish features seasoned ground beef, melted sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and smoky bacon all tossed with rotini pasta in a rich, creamy sauce topped with pickles and green onions for the perfect loaded cheeseburger experience in pasta form.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces short pasta such as rotini or penne
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and toppings: Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the cheese sauce and warmed through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with chopped pickles and green onions before serving for a fresh, tangy finish.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add an additional 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese to the sauce.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
