Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta combines the hearty flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. This recipe features ground beef, melted cheddar and cream cheese, tangy dill pickles, and a rich sauce made with beef broth and heavy cream, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 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 the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Using the same pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for around 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Melt the cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, stirring until the cheeses have completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot, tossing until it is well coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Add pickles: Gently fold in the chopped dill pickles to add a tangy flavor to the dish.
- Heat through: Allow the mixture to warm for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra pickles, or additional cheese.
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shape such as penne, rotini, or shells to best hold the creamy sauce.
- Softened cream cheese will melt more easily and create a smoother sauce.
- The addition of dill pickles provides a unique tang that mimics the flavors of a cheeseburger.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you want to prepare ahead, you can make the sauce and beef mixture first, then add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve to keep the pasta texture firm.
- Consider adding cooked bacon for extra cheeseburger authenticity.