Description
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish that combines hearty ground beef with Alfredo sauce for a nostalgic, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ⅓ cup diced dill pickles
- Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, for about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and coat the beef with flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the Alfredo sauce to the cooked beef, stirring until everything is well blended. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using), mixing until melted and creamy.
- Top with crumbled bacon and diced pickles. For extra cheeseburger vibes, add fresh tomatoes or shredded lettuce right before serving.
- Scoop into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
Experiment with different pasta shapes and cheese variations for unique flavors. This dish keeps well for meal prep.
