Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta is an irresistible dish combining the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy pasta. Featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a savory sauce made with beef broth and cream, this recipe delivers a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra pickles, and additional cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In the same pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir them together to combine and create the base of the sauce.
- Melt the cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors harmoniously.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss it well to coat each piece evenly with the cheeseburger sauce.
- Add pickles: Gently fold in the chopped dill pickles, giving the dish a tangy and distinctive flavor boost.
- Heat through: Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta coated and warm.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Serve the loaded cheeseburger pasta hot, garnished with optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra pickles, or more cheese for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose your favorite pasta shape: penne, rotini, or shells work best for holding the sauce.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Use fresh pickles for the best tang and crunch, though jarred dill pickles work well too.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
