Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
This Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe combines the best of both worlds—juicy beef, melty cheese, and pasta—in one simple, family-friendly meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food ready within 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-pot recipe requires minimal prep and clean-up.
- Flavor-Packed: A rich, cheesy sauce coats the pasta, combined with ground beef seasoned like your favorite burger.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with the whole family, even the picky eaters!
- Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings like pickles, onions, or bacon for extra flavor.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pasta
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
- Pasta: Although I have used penne, you can try it with elbow macaroni or shells which work best, but any short pasta will do.
- Cheese: I only used cheddar cheese, but you can add mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Tomato paste: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet base to balance the rich beef and cheese.
- Beef or chicken bouillon: Enhances the meaty flavor while cooking the pasta.
- Seasonings: Cumin, Paprika, Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other earthy spices.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta
Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below!
Step 1
Browning the Beef: Fry the onion with butter and oil, then add the ground beef and brown it over medium heat in a large pot.
Step 2
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic and tomato, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, water, and the bouillon.
Step 3
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot when the mixture is boiling. Cover and let it cook, absorbing all the flavors.
Step 4
Melt the Cheese: Add the heavy cream and cheese once the pasta is tender, then cover the pot until it melts while the heat is off.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on it to avoid soggy pasta.
- Mix In Extras: Top with crispy bacon, chopped pickles, or jalapeños for a fun twist.
- Make It Healthier: Use lean ground turkey or whole wheat pasta for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheeseburger Pasta pairs perfectly with a side of Garlic Knots or a green salad. For a fun twist, top it with crushed potato chips or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard—just like a real burger!
Storage and Reheating
Store your cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of hot water or heavy cream to add creaminess to the pasta, and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warm.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This version focuses on bold flavors and customizability. The one-pot method means fewer dishes, and the rich, cheesy sauce makes every bite irresistible. It’s a quick, affordable meal that satisfies all your cheeseburger cravings.
This Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is the perfect mix of comfort food and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish will become a family favorite.
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⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
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Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams of ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 chicken or beef bouillon
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 4 garlic minced
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 ½ cup uncooked pasta
- 3 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
- In a hot pan, add the butter and oil; when hot, add the onion and sauté until translucent. Now add the ground beef and cook on medium heat for 3 minutes.
- To the ground beef, add the minced garlic and stir for a minute, then add the tomatoes and stir for two minutes. Cover the pan for three minutes while on medium heat.
- Uncover the pan, add the spices, and stir until combined, then add the tomato paste and stir for two minutes.
- Pour the boiling water over the mixture and add the chicken or beef bouillon. Stir to dissolve the bouillon. Cover the pan and let the mixture boil for 4 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta, stir for a few seconds, then cover the pan and let the pasta cook for 14 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Uncover the pan, add the cream, and mix well, then add the cheese, turn off the heat, and cover the pan for 4 minutes.
- Stir the mixture, then serve.
Video
Notes
- Cook Pasta Directly in Sauce: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot with the beef and broth. This method allows the pasta to absorb all the flavors, making the dish richer.
- Choose a Melty Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but combining it with mozzarella or American cheese will give you that perfect, creamy melt.
- Season to Taste: Start with basic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, but don’t be afraid to add Worcestershire sauce or mustard for a more authentic cheeseburger flavor.
- Keep an Eye on Consistency: If the pasta looks too thick while cooking, add a splash of broth or water. This will help maintain a creamy texture without making the dish too dry.
