Description

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a rich Alfredo sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights and appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or rotini)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp burger seasoning (onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, green onions

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Sprinkle burger seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat and simmer for one minute to meld flavors.
Lower heat to low. Add cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Whisk continuously until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth (3-5 minutes).
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.
Divide into bowls and top with optional ingredients like diced tomatoes, pickles, or green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Shred your own cheddar to avoid anti-caking agents. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending. Do not overcook pasta as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce. Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to prevent sauce separation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 850
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 900
Fat: 55
Saturated Fat: 28
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: cheeseburger alfredo pasta, easy family dinner, quick weeknight meals, comfort food, creamy pasta, ground beef recipes