Easy Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Easy loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta is one of my favorite weeknight comfort meals—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Ground beef, tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and melty cheese come together in one skillet for a fast, satisfying dinner that hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines the heartiness of a cheeseburger with the creaminess of pasta Alfredo. It’s family-friendly, filling, and comes together with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. The best part? It’s all done in under 30 minutes and only dirties one pan. Perfect for a quick dinner that still feels indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work great)

• Jarred or homemade Alfredo sauce

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

• Pickles, chopped (optional for topping)

• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. I cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I drain any excess grease.

3. I stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the Alfredo sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly.

5. I mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.

6. I season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

7. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then top with chopped pickles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. I’ve also stirred in sautéed mushrooms, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor. If I want it spicier, I add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. For a lower-carb version, I swap the pasta for cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. It also freezes well—perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it earlier in the day and reheat it gently before serving. I just wait to add the cheese topping until right before I serve it for the best texture.

What pasta works best?

I like short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbows—they hold the sauce really well. But any pasta I have on hand works just fine.

Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely. If I have time, I make a quick Alfredo with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan. But jarred sauce makes this recipe super fast.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely. It has a creamy, cheesy flavor kids love. If I’m serving picky eaters, I leave out extras like pickles or onions.

Can I make it in one pot?

Yes! I cook the pasta first, then use the same skillet to make the rest of the dish. Fewer dishes, more flavor.

Conclusion

Easy loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta is a creamy, cheesy mash-up that always satisfies. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly simple to throw together, making it perfect for busy nights or laid-back weekends. I love how versatile it is—and how it always feels like comfort food at its best.