Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe because it combines all the best cozy comfort flavors into one pot – it s like a cheeseburger and pasta had the perfect dinner date. Whether you re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or want something that feels a little special but still super easy, this recipe nails it every time. You ll find that the cheesy, meaty sauce hugs every piece of pasta, making it a dish that’s both hearty and oh-so-satisfying.

When I first tried this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together into something that feels like a treat but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Plus, it s a great way to sneak in some veggies without the kids noticing, thanks to finely diced carrot and celery. Trust me, once you try this, it s going to be on your regular rotation – my family goes crazy for it, and I bet yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor. I recommend using fresh grated cheese and good-quality minced beef for the best results.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a smooth, mild flavor.
• Onion: Finely diced to blend seamlessly into the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced adds a punch of aroma and depth.
• Carrots: Finely diced to mellow sweetness and texture.
• Celery stalk: Adds a subtle earthiness and crunch.
• Salt: Helps soften the veggies and enhances overall flavor.
• Minced beef: Choose lean but flavorful for juicy results.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked adds needed warmth.
• Onion powder: Boosts the savory notes effortlessly.
• Dried oregano: For a hint of herbal freshness.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated richness that deepens the sauce.
• Beef stock: Adds savory umami and moisture for cooking pasta.
• Crushed tomatoes: Provide body and a fresh tomato tang.
• Dried macaroni pasta: Or penne/rigatoni if you prefer-holds sauce well.
• Full-cream milk: Makes the sauce creamy without overpowering richness.
• Colby or cheddar cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully and tastes amazing.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty topping magic.
• Flat-leaf parsley: Freshly chopped for bright garnish and color.

Variations

I love making this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe my own by mixing things up based on what I have on hand or dietary needs. Don t hesitate to get creative – this recipe is pretty forgiving and welcoming to your personal twists.

• Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils-just as hearty and delicious.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the sauce for a little kick.
• Cheese swaps: Try mixing gouda or Monterey Jack with your cheddar for a different melty flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties and check your stock and tomato products for gluten content.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies Until Soft and Fragrant

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy-based pan. Toss in your finely diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and a bit of salt. The salt helps draw out moisture so the veggies soften instead of caramelize. Stir occasionally and cook for about 3 minutes until they re nicely softened and fragrant. This builds the flavor base you ll love.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Season Up

Add your minced beef next, cooking it for around 3 minutes. Break it apart as you cook so it browns evenly and doesn t clump. Once it s nicely browned, stir in your cracked black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and a teaspoon of sugar – this little sprinkle helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes later, a trick I discovered after a few attempts!

Step 3: Build Your Delicious Sauce

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Then pour in your beef stock and crushed tomatoes and bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer. This is where everything starts coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add your dry macaroni and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on it – if the pasta looks like it s getting dry or sticking to the pan, just add a splash of extra stock or water. This step was a game-changer for me: cooking pasta directly in the sauce means all those yummy flavors get absorbed into every bite.

Step 5: Melt Cheese to Cream it Up

Once the pasta s cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the full-cream milk and your grated Colby or cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy coating. Taste and season with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Top with Mozzarella and Serve

Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly on top, cover the pan again, and let it rest for about 30 seconds until the mozzarella melts into that irresistible cheesy layer. Finish off with a sprinkle of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for freshness and color, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh flat-leaf parsley – it adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery hint that balances the rich, cheesy sauce perfectly. Sometimes I also sprinkle in a little extra cracked black pepper for a tiny kick right before serving.

Side Dishes

I like to pair this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette – it cuts through the richness wonderfully. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also a perfect match for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner or casual get-together, try serving this pasta in rustic small cast-iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins, topped with extra mozzarella and broiled for a golden crust. It s an easy upgrade that makes the dish feel extra special without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When refrigeration time increases, I make sure to add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out completely.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal option. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, I do it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. Reheating in the microwave works too – just cover and stir every minute or so for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly dinner lineup because it s just so darn comforting and easy to whip up. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table smile and come back for seconds. I hope you try it soon-you ll find it s not only delicious but also a little kitchen cheat that turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser. Let me know how it turns out, because this one s a keeper in my book!

Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 65 reviews

• Author: Stacy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This comforting Cheeseburger Pasta combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty pasta dish. Ground beef, sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes create a rich sauce, simmered with macaroni pasta and finished with a blend of melted cheeses for a deliciously cheesy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, to serve

Meat

• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef

Tomato and Stock

• 1/4 cup (60 g) tomato paste
• 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock
• 400 g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Pasta and Dairy

• 350 g (12 1/2 oz) dried macaroni pasta (uncooked, can be substituted with penne or rigatoni)
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) full-cream milk
• 2 cups (250 g) freshly grated colby or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant without caramelizing.
2. Brown the Beef: Add 500 grams of ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook for approximately 3 minutes, until the beef is browned all over and no longer pink.
3. Season the Mixture: Stir in ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine the spices with the beef and vegetables.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Incorporate ¼ cup (60 g) tomato paste into the mixture and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor and develop the sauce base.
5. Simmer with Stock and Tomatoes: Pour in 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock and a 400 g (14 oz) can of crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
6. Cook the Pasta: Add 350 g dried macaroni pasta to the simmering sauce. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the pasta is sticking or the liquid evaporates too fast, add a splash more stock or water as needed.
7. Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in ½ cup (125 ml) full-cream milk and 2 cups (250 g) freshly grated colby or cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, producing a creamy texture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick or too thin, adjust with additional milk or stock accordingly.
8. Melt the Mozzarella: Sprinkle ½ cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover the pan and allow it to sit for 30 seconds to let the mozzarella melt and become gooey and luscious.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the finely chopped flat-leaf parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the cheeseburger pasta hot for a satisfying meal.

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Notes

• If you prefer, substitute macaroni with penne or rigatoni pasta shapes for variety.
• If the pasta begins to stick or the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add a little beef stock or water to loosen it.
• Adjust the seasoning carefully after cheese has melted to balance salt and pepper and to achieve the desired consistency.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe (approx. 300 g)
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg