Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is what I cooked last week, and it turned out so good! I was thinking about how much my family loves cheeseburgers, so I decided to mix that with creamy pasta. You know what? It worked perfectly! This recipe has all the yummy cheese and beef flavors but in a warm, creamy pasta dish.

I made it in about 30 minutes, which was great because we were all really hungry. The best part is that everyone loved it, even my picky eater!

What makes this recipe special

This recipe is special because it takes two things we already love and puts them together. I really like how easy it is to make – you don’t need any fancy cooking skills. The sauce stays nice and creamy, not lumpy like some pasta dishes I’ve tried before. You can add whatever toppings you want, just like when you make a burger. My kids think it’s so fun to eat because it tastes like their favorite cheeseburger but it’s pasta! Also, you only need one big pan to make everything, so cleanup is super easy.

Ingredients

For the pasta:
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter

For the cheeseburger taste:
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional toppings:
Cooked bacon bits
Diced pickles
Chopped tomatoes
Green onions
Extra shredded cheese

How to Make Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add some salt. Bring it to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it until it’s tender but still has a little bite to it. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1 cup of the pasta water in a bowl – you might need this later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Put a large skillet on medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 6-8 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it gets soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. If there’s too much grease, you can drain some out.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Add the butter to the beef and let it melt. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while stirring. Heat this up but don’t let it boil hard – just gentle bubbles. Add the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese
Turn the heat down to low. Slowly add the cheddar cheese while stirring constantly so it melts smooth. Then add the Parmesan cheese the same way. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of that pasta water you saved. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir everything until the pasta is covered with the creamy sauce. Serve it hot and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

Tips and Variations for Your Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Here are some tips that really help when I make this. Don’t cook the pasta too long – you want it to still have some texture. When adding cheese, keep the heat low and stir all the time, or it might get lumpy. I always shred my own cheese because it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.

You can change this recipe to make it your own. Try ground turkey instead of beef if you want something lighter. I sometimes add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies. If you like spicy food, add some jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also use different types of pasta – rotini or bow ties work great too.

Make-ahead and storage

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a container with a tight lid. When I reheat it, I put it in a pan on low heat and add a splash of milk to make it creamy again. You can also use the microwave – just heat in 30-second intervals and stir between each time. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because cream sauces can get weird when you thaw them.

Substitutions and variations

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Ground turkey or ground chicken work instead of beef. You can use any short pasta shape you have. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, just skip it or use a little soy sauce. For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream and reduce the amount of cheese.

Notes

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Each serving has roughly 650 calories. The recipe works best when you serve it right away while it’s hot. Make sure to stir the sauce constantly when adding cheese so it stays smooth.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta works well. I’ve used rotini, bow ties, and shells with great results.

Why did my cheese sauce get lumpy?
This usually happens when the heat is too high or you add the cheese too fast. Keep the heat low and add cheese slowly while stirring.

Can I make this healthier?
Sure! Use lean ground beef, half-and-half instead of cream, and add some vegetables like broccoli or spinach.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can skip it or use a little bit of soy sauce instead. The recipe will still taste good.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli work really well. Just cook them with the onions.

How do I know when the pasta is done?
It should be tender but still have a little firmness when you bite it. This is called al dente.

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