When I think of comfort food, cheeseburger pasta skyrockets to the top of my list. Imagine a warm, cheesy hug that combines the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the hearty satisfaction of pasta. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will lure anyone in like moths to a flame, and trust me, everyone will want a taste. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something easy yet indulgent, and it promises to deliver an explosion of flavor with every bite.
Picture this: it’s Friday night, and you’re exhausted after a long week. You’ve got that craving for a burger but also want to keep it simple. Enter cheeseburger pasta—a glorious fusion of two beloved meals that will have you reminiscing about childhood dinners while simultaneously impressing your friends or family. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or an impromptu game night with friends, this dish guarantees smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this cheeseburger pasta perfect for busy weeknights
- Its flavor profile blends rich cheesiness with savory beef for ultimate satisfaction
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to entice everyone at the dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to allow for ingredient swaps based on your pantry staples
Sharing this dish at our last family gathering had everyone coming back for seconds—my aunt even asked for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta: Use any shape you prefer; I recommend elbow macaroni for that hearty bite.
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<strong Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps it flavorful without excessive grease; feel free to substitute turkey if desired.
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Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings richness; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
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Onion: Diced onions add sweetness; sauté until translucent and aromatic for best results.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives depth; use 2-3 cloves for maximum flavor impact.
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Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances meat flavor; low-sodium options work well too.
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Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce ties everything together with tangy goodness; opt for no added sugar if possible.
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning balance out flavors beautifully; adjust according to taste.
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Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a splash of olive oil. Toss in the diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes should do it.
Add Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add in your ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go along—around 5-7 minutes should suffice.
Mix in Garlic & Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté everything together until aromatic—just 1-2 minutes will enhance those flavors.
Add Pasta & Liquids: Pour in uncooked pasta along with beef broth and tomato sauce. Give it a good stir to combine all ingredients evenly—bring everything to a gentle boil.
Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer until pasta is al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes—stir occasionally so nothing sticks!
Add Cheese & Serve: Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey. Serve immediately topped with fresh parsley if desired—enjoy every delicious bite!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef, then cook the pasta while preparing your cheesy sauce for efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking pasta, always salt the water; it enhances flavor significantly
- Keep cheese at room temperature for easier melting
- Don’t rush the browning process; it adds depth to your dish’s flavor
Sharing this recipe with friends always brings a smile; they rave about how easy it is to make and how delicious it turns out every time.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta for cheeseburger pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber to your meal.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, American, or a blend melts beautifully and gives that classic cheeseburger taste.
How do I make it spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into your cheeseburger pasta for added heat.
Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburger pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger with hearty pasta. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, offering a delightful explosion of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 15 oz can tomato sauce (no added sugar)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onions until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- 2. Increase heat slightly and add ground beef; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart with a spatula.
- 3. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4. Add uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and tomato sauce; stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- 5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until pasta is al dente (10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- 6. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve topped with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
