Description
A decadent and creamy Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with rich Alfredo sauce. This hearty skillet dish features perfectly cooked fettuccine tossed in a velvety cheese sauce made with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, along with savory ground beef, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Seasonings and Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the Beef Mixture: Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Cheeses: Add shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheeseburger sauce.
- Finish with Bacon and Butter: Stir in crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley. Add unsalted butter and stir until melted, which will make the sauce even creamier.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- For extra veggies, add mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onions.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stove.
