This sloppy cheeseburger pasta is a game-changer in the world of one-pot meals with the familiar flavors of your favorite burger joint.
This recipe is a breeze to whip up, even on those busy weeknights when you're short on time and energy. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you'll have a hearty, satisfying meal that'll have the whole family licking their plates clean.
This dish is an absolute treat for your family, but it's also a healthier alternative to greasy takeout. You get to control the ingredients, ensuring you're serving up a delicious and nourishing meal without any unwanted additives or preservatives.
Why You Will Love This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Here are just a few reasons you’ll flip for this dish:
Tastes like your favorite cheeseburger: flavors in pasta form a combination of beef, cheese, ketchup/tomato sauce, mustard, and other burger-inspired seasonings giving this pasta dish an incredibly comforting and nostalgic cheeseburger taste.
Creamy and indulgent: With melted cheddar cheese and cream cheese or heavy cream, the sauce becomes lusciously creamy and cheesy, making this pasta rich and decadent.
Easy one-pot/one-pan meal: You can make the entire dish in just one pot or skillet, making cleanup a breeze. It comes together quickly in under 30 minutes.
Comforting and kid-friendly: The familiar flavors and cheesy pasta make this a crowd-pleasing comfort food that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Better than the boxed version: By making it from scratch, you avoid the processed ingredients in the boxed hamburger helper while achieving superior homemade flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you need for this savory sensation:
- Ground Beef: The star protein that gives this dish its beefy, savory flavor. Using leaner ground beef helps keep it lighter.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni or other short pasta shapes work perfectly to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides that irresistible cheesy, gooey texture we all love in a cheeseburger pasta dish.
- Onion and Bell Pepper: These fresh veggies add flavor, nutrition, and texture.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
How To Make This One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
Step2.Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step3.Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step4.Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Step5.Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Step6.Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step7.Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, parsley, or green onions if desired.
Tips For The Best Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use freshly grated cheese for the ultimate melty, gooey texture. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente - it will continue cooking in the sauce as it simmers. Overcooking leads to mushy pasta.
- For extra richness, use half beef broth and half milk or cream instead of all broth.
- Customize with your favorite burger toppings like bacon, sautéed mushrooms, pickles, or mustard.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken up perfectly.
How To Store
Follow these steps to store leftover cheeseburger pasta so you can enjoy it again!
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Freezing: This pasta dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheating: Place leftovers in a saucepan, cover with a lid, and heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 15-20 minutes Add a bit of broth or water to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
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Ingredients
- 300 g 0.66 lb lean ground beef
- 2.5 g 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 g 1 teaspoon salt
- 2.5 g 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 500 g 18 oz uncooked pasta
- 250 g 9 oz sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente texture is achieved.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder to the cooked beef. Stir continuously until the cheeses have melted and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Incorporate the cooked pasta into the cheesy beef sauce, tossing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Serve the sloppy cheeseburger pasta immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a saucier dish, consider using less pasta or doubling the sauce ingredients.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences.
- Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations of cheeseburger pasta?
Some variations of cheeseburger pasta include using ground turkey instead of beef, adding vegetables like spinach or diced tomatoes, or incorporating different cheeses for a unique twist.
Can I make cheeseburger pasta with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can make cheeseburger pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the delicious taste of the dish.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can sauté diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach along with the ground beef for added nutrition and flavor
Olivia says
it's yummy . thanks for share
Anya says
Thanks <3