Name: Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred); 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cheeseburgers and pasta—two classics that rarely meet on the same plate. But when they do, like in this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta, it’s pure comfort food magic. I first made this dish on a chilly weeknight when I was craving something hearty and indulgent but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It was love at first bite. The creamy Alfredo sauce wraps around every twist of pasta, while savory ground beef and melty cheese bring the unmistakable essence of a cheeseburger—without the bun.

What I especially love about this recipe is how satisfying it is for both kids and adults. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to bring to a potluck. I’ve since made it dozens of times, tweaking and perfecting the flavor balance until it became one of my go-to comfort dishes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just yourself, this pasta will leave you full and smiling.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

This dish combines the rich, velvety decadence of Alfredo sauce with the bold, familiar flavors of a cheeseburger. The result? A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s both nostalgic and crave-worthy. You’ll love how easily it comes together in one skillet, and how every bite delivers beefy, cheesy goodness with that irresistible creamy pasta texture. It’s a no-fuss, big-flavor recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

What Type of Ground Beef Should I Use for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta?

For this recipe, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef—meaning it’s 80% lean and 20% fat. That little bit of extra fat adds so much flavor to the meat and helps keep it juicy as it cooks. If you’re aiming for a leaner version, you can go with 90/10, but just be aware the beef might not have the same richness. Whichever you choose, make sure to drain any excess grease after browning so the sauce doesn’t get too heavy or oily.

Options for Substitutions

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is surprisingly flexible, which makes it a great base recipe for all kinds of dietary preferences or pantry limitations:

Ground Turkey or Chicken – For a lighter protein, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. It still brings that satisfying meaty bite without the richness of red meat.
Vegetarian Option – Try using plant-based ground “beef” alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.
Pasta Shape – I used rotini for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to swap in penne, shells, or even elbow macaroni.
Cheese Choices – While cheddar brings that classic cheeseburger flavor, you could also use mozzarella for extra meltiness or pepper jack for a mild kick.
Add-Ins – Diced pickles, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon crumbles can be stirred in or sprinkled on top for more of that classic burger feel.

Ingredients for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a specific role in delivering bold flavor, rich texture, and cheeseburger-inspired comfort.

Rotini Pasta
Its spiral shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite packed with flavor.
Ground Beef (80/20 preferred)
This is the foundation of the “cheeseburger” flavor—savory, juicy, and deeply satisfying.
Yellow Onion
Finely chopped and sautéed, it adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic
Just a couple cloves minced into the pan bring out a rich aroma that enhances the whole dish.
Cheddar Cheese
Melts perfectly into the sauce and mimics that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese
For extra creaminess and that irresistible stretchy melt on top.
Heavy Cream
Forms the base of the Alfredo sauce, giving it that smooth, velvety texture.
Beef Broth
Adds savory depth and helps thin out the sauce just enough to coat the pasta.
Diced Tomatoes (optional)
A juicy, acidic contrast to the rich cheese and beef—think of it like a fresh tomato slice on a burger.
Salt and Black Pepper
Basic seasonings that pull all the flavors together and balance the dish.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Adds color and a touch of freshness right before serving.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then return the beef to the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Tomatoes

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Fold in the diced tomatoes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and gently toss until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if desired and cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to let it melt. Garnish with chopped parsley, then serve warm.

How Long to Cook Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes to make—perfect for a quick, comforting dinner:

Boiling the Pasta: 8–10 minutes
Browning the Beef and Sautéing Aromatics: 6–8 minutes
Simmering the Sauce and Melting Cheese: 5–7 minutes
Combining Everything: 3–5 minutes

Since everything cooks in layers while the pasta boils, it all comes together seamlessly.

Tips for Perfect Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Drain the beef well. You want the richness, not the grease—draining keeps the sauce from turning too oily.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly firm (al dente) pasta will hold up better when tossed in the hot sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Simmer, don’t boil, the sauce. High heat can break the cream sauce and cause it to separate—keep it gentle.
Taste and season as you go. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference in balancing the rich flavors.
Add a splash of pasta water. If your sauce feels too thick at the end, a few tablespoons of pasta water will loosen it perfectly without watering down the taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple comfort food has its traps—here’s what to avoid to keep your Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta on point:

Skipping the beef drain: Leaving in all that fat will make the sauce greasy instead of creamy.
Overcooking the cream sauce: Boiling cream can cause it to split, so keep it at a gentle simmer when adding cheese.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added starches—grate it fresh for a velvety finish.
Not seasoning in stages: If you only season at the end, the flavor won’t be as deep or balanced.
Overloading with extras: Toppings like bacon or pickles are great—but too many additions can overwhelm the creamy base.
Letting the pasta sit too long after combining: It will soak up the sauce fast. Serve it while it’s hot and creamy.

What to Serve With Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta?

This pasta is indulgent and rich, so I like pairing it with lighter sides or fresh contrasts to balance the meal.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess of the pasta.

Dill Pickles or Pickled Veggies

The acidity of pickled sides gives that classic burger vibe and keeps things from feeling too heavy.

Garlic Bread or Toasted Buns

It’s not a burger without some kind of bread, right? Toasted brioche or garlic bread works perfectly.

Steamed Broccoli

A healthy, green veggie side that complements the richness without competing.

Sliced Tomatoes or Cherry Tomato Salad

Bright, juicy tomatoes echo the burger theme while adding a pop of freshness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For a more savory option, these offer a delicious caramelized crunch.

Classic Diner-Style Milkshake

Okay—hear me out. A vanilla or chocolate milkshake on the side takes this dish into full comfort-food territory.

Storage Instructions

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta stores surprisingly well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to handle it:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing: This isn’t the best dish for freezing—the cream sauce can separate and turn grainy when thawed. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the cheese sauce, then mix it fresh when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

These values are estimates and will vary depending on exact brands and portions used:

Calories: 610
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 590mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

This dish is definitely a treat—rich, filling, and packed with protein. Balance it with lighter meals around it if you’re keeping an eye on macros.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Rotini is ideal because its spirals hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, but penne, shells, or even elbow macaroni are great alternatives.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook everything ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?

You can use lean ground beef or turkey, light cream instead of heavy, and reduce the cheese slightly—but keep in mind, the dish is meant to be rich and indulgent.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms sautéed with the beef make great additions and stretch the meal further.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Reserve some pasta water and stir it in gradually if the sauce starts to tighten up too much.

Is Alfredo sauce the only option here?

You could swap in a cheddar-based cheese sauce or even use a jarred queso for a Tex-Mex twist, but the Alfredo really brings that creamy burger-pasta combo to life.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes—just warm it up before adding to the sauce, and be sure it’s not overcooked or mushy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave with a splash of milk, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through and creamy again.

Conclusion

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is one of those recipes that delivers comfort, flavor, and fun all in one bowl. It’s the perfect mash-up of two favorites—cheeseburgers and pasta—wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want something extra satisfying after a long day, this dish brings bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s weeknight cooking made indulgently delicious.