Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy pasta. Featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles, this recipe is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings and Add-ins
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Extra pickles
- Additional cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In the same pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
- Melt Cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season Sauce: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to blend all flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Add Pickles: Gently fold in the chopped dill pickles for a delicious tangy kick.
- Heat Through: Allow the mixture to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or more cheese.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells for best sauce coverage.
- Drain excess fat from ground beef if desired for a less greasy dish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Optional toppings add freshness and texture contrast.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and use reduced-fat cheeses.
