Hey there! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to whip up a quick dinner after a long day. With kids running around, homework to oversee, and chores piling up, finding a meal that’s both easy and beloved by everyone can feel like a true victory! That’s why I love this Cheeseburger Pasta recipe. It’s one of those family favorites that’s become a staple in our household.
What I adore about this recipe is how it combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the delightful texture of pasta. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together. In just about 30 minutes, I can serve up a dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder—less mess for me, and more time to enjoy with the family!
Whenever I make it, I can picture my kids diving into their plates, smiling and asking for seconds. It really has a way of bringing us all together at the dinner table. And even better, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes! Swap out the cheese or add in some extra veggies. You can even use whatever type of pasta you have on hand; this recipe is pretty flexible.
So, whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight meals or searching for something comforting on a busy day, this Cheeseburger Pasta might just become your new go-to. I encourage you to give it a try—your family will thank you!
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 finely chopped carrots
- 1 finely chopped celery stalk
- 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 500 grams (1 lb 2 oz) ground beef
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup (60 grams) tomato paste
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
- 400 grams (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 350 grams (12½ oz) dried macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
- ½ cup (125 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (250 grams) grated cheddar or colby cheese
- ½ cup (75 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
First, take a large skillet and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery, along with the salt. Sauté these together for about three minutes until the veggies are tender.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it through for around three minutes, until well browned.
Sprinkle in the black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and sugar. Then stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for an additional minute. It’s all about building that rich flavor!
Now, pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
Once it’s simmering, mix in the macaroni. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If it looks a bit dry, add extra broth or water as needed.
When the pasta is just right, stir in the milk and your chosen cheeses until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella on top, cover for about 30 seconds so it melts nicely, and then garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Storing Suggestion
To store leftover Cheeseburger Pasta, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cooking Tips
If you want to enhance the flavors further, consider adding some Worcestershire sauce along with the spices. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat alternative to cater to dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a side salad or some garlic bread. A splash of hot sauce for those who like some heat can be perfect, too! A cold drink like iced tea or lemonade pairs wonderfully.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have ground beef, turkey or chicken can work just as well. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of beans. Instead of macaroni, feel free to use any pasta you have lying around, like fusilli or spaghetti; it all works beautifully!
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, you can add fresh vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and color. In the fall, consider tossing in some pumpkin puree for a cozy twist. Winter greens like spinach or kale can also be mixed in for added nutrition during the colder months.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy and gluten. Ensure to check cheese labels for lactose content if you’re sensitive. You could use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it suitable for gluten and dairy-sensitive individuals. Always read labels for allergens.
FAQ
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Cheeseburger Pasta, you can replace the ground beef with lentils, a mix of chopped mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat substitutes. This not only maintains the hearty texture but also provides a delicious taste!
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout when you’re ready to serve.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
This recipe is quite flexible when it comes to pasta choice. While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Adding more vegetables is a great idea! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even fresh spinach can be stirred in during the cooking process. Aim to add the veggies along with the beef to ensure they cook properly and meld with the flavors.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Leftover Cheeseburger Pasta can be frozen. Make sure it’s fully cooled, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It should be good for up to two months. Just reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What can I serve with Cheeseburger Pasta?
This dish serves wonderfully on its own, but you can enhance your meal with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or some roasted veggies for a balanced plate. Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or soda for a real treat.
Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 finely chopped carrots
- 1 finely chopped celery stalk
- 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- 500 grams ground beef (1 lb 2 oz)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (1 liter)
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
- 350 grams dried macaroni (12½ oz; can substitute with penne or rigatoni)
- ½ cup whole milk (125 ml)
- 2 cups grated cheddar or colby cheese (250 grams)
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese (75 grams)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they become tender.
- Next, add the ground beef and cook for another 3 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it is browned.
- Incorporate the black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and sugar. Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the macaroni, cover the pan, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the milk and cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Top with the mozzarella, cover again, and let it sit for 30 seconds until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with parsley and serve!
