Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
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Cheeseburger-inspired: All the flavors of a cheeseburger but in a creamy, cheesy pasta form.
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Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
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One-pot meal: Less mess and cleanup, with everything cooking together in one pot.
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Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings like pickles, onions, or bacon to make it even more delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
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Onion, diced
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Garlic, minced
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Beef broth
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Milk
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Heavy cream
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Cheddar cheese, shredded
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Ketchup
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Mustard
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Salt and pepper
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Olive oil
Directions
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Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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Make the sauce: Stir in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Add the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sauce.
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Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Add ketchup and mustard, mixing until the sauce is well combined.
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Season: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, adding more ketchup or mustard if desired.
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Serve: Serve the cheeseburger pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra shredded cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Serves: 4–6 people
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory flavor.
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Pickles: Top with chopped pickles for a tangy, burger-like twist.
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Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies in the dish.
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Ground turkey or chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
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This dish can also be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2–3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with more milk or even sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a bit of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of mozzarella for extra heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! You can mix in veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make the dish more nutritious.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar and mozzarella with your favorite melting cheeses like gouda, provolone, or American cheese for a different flavor.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
How do I know when the beef is cooked through?
The beef should be browned and no longer pink when cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I skip the ketchup and mustard?
If you prefer, you can skip the ketchup and mustard, though they do add to the cheeseburger flavor. You can substitute with barbecue sauce or simply add extra seasonings to taste.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger combined with the goodness of pasta, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious!
Cheeseburger Pasta
This Cheeseburger Pasta combines all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting texture of pasta. A creamy, cheesy sauce is paired with seasoned beef and pasta for a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying dinner. With all the cheeseburger goodness in every bite, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- Optional: Pickles and extra shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the beef and pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta, then mix everything together.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until it melts, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the cheeseburger pasta warm, garnished with optional pickles and additional cheese if desired.
Notes
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Meat alternatives: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
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Cheese variations: Feel free to mix up the cheese—Swiss, American, or mozzarella would also be delicious in this dish.
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Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
