If you adore the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger but are craving something a little different, this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is the perfect game-changer. Imagine that juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, and zesty tomato goodness all mixed into tender macaroni, creating an irresistibly creamy and hearty dish. It’s like your favorite burger and your favorite pasta had a deliciously cheesy baby that’s ready to become your new weeknight favorite. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a warm, satisfying meal that screams comfort food in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the finely diced veggies that build the flavor base to the combination of cheeses that deliver ooey-gooey goodness. These essentials are easy to find but work together to create a richly textured and colorful dish that will satisfy all your cravings.
- Onion, finely diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth that balances the meat’s richness perfectly.
- Olive oil, 2 tbsp: For sautéing the vegetables; it helps develop those lovely caramelized flavors.
- Freshly minced garlic, 1 tsp: Brings that aromatic punch that makes everything pop.
- Carrots, finely diced (2): For subtle sweetness and a hint of crunch in texture.
- Celery stalk, finely diced (1): Offers a fresh, slightly peppery bite to the base.
- Salt, 1 tsp plus more to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Cracked black pepper, ½ tsp plus more to taste: Adds bold spice and a little heat.
- Onion powder, 1 tsp: Enhances onion flavor without extra moisture.
- Dried oregano, 1 tsp: Brings an earthy, aromatic touch that works beautifully with tomato flavors.
- Sugar, 1 tsp: Balances acidity and rounds out the sauce’s flavor.
- Flat-leaf parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped: Fresh herb for garnish that adds a lovely burst of color and brightness.
- Minced (ground) beef, 500 g (1 lb 2 oz): The star protein base, juicy and flavorful.
- Tomato paste, ¼ cup (60 g): Concentrated tomato flavor that helps form a rich sauce base.
- Beef stock, 4 cups (1 litre): Provides depth and moisture to cook the pasta and intensify the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes, 400 g (14 oz) can: Adds texture and tang to the sauce.
- Dried macaroni pasta, 350 g (12½ oz): The perfect pasta shape for soaking up all that tasty sauce; penne or rigatoni can be used too.
- Full-cream milk, ½ cup (125 ml): Adds creaminess to the sauce for ultimate comfort.
- Freshly grated colby or cheddar cheese, 2 cups (250 g): Brings the classic cheeseburger cheese flavor and creamy melt.
- Freshly grated mozzarella cheese, ½ cup (75 g): Melts on top for an extra layer of gooey, irresistible delight.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and salt. Cook this mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step is vital because those softened veggies create a flavorful foundation that makes the entire dish sing.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with your spoon and cook for about 3 minutes or until it is browned all over, with no pink bits remaining. Browning the meat properly ensures it develops that rich, caramelized flavor that’s so essential to this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the cracked black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir everything together to combine the spices evenly with the beef and vegetables. This is where the seasoning deepens the flavor, making each bite wonderfully balanced and delicious.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste
Incorporate the tomato paste into the pan, cooking for about one minute. This brief cooking step intensifies the tomato flavor and helps develop a thick, savory base for the sauce to build upon.
Step 5: Simmer with Stock and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef stock and the crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This simmering step melds all flavors perfectly, turning the sauce into a luscious, hearty companion to the pasta.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add the dried macaroni pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Cover with a lid and let it cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb those beautiful tomato and beef flavors and soften while soaking up the delicious sauce. If needed, add a bit more stock or water to keep it from drying out.
Step 7: Add Milk and Cheese
Stir in the full-cream milk, then add the grated colby or cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has completely melted, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that glides over every pasta piece. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce consistency isn’t quite right, fine-tune with a splash more milk or stock.
Step 8: Melt the Mozzarella
Sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover the pan and let it rest for 30 seconds to allow the mozzarella to melt into a luscious, gooey topping. This final cheesy flourish elevates the dish into a decadent comfort food triumph.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped flat-leaf parsley on top. The fresh herb adds a wonderful pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Now it’s time to serve this warm, cheesy masterpiece and enjoy every bite.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The simple parsley garnish brightens each mouthful and adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. For extra flair, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing on the side pairs wonderfully with the cheeseburger vibe.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want a bit of variety, a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables provide refreshing balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy goodness from the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in mini cast-iron skillets for individual portions that look rustic and inviting. Or bake the assembled pasta under a golden layer of mozzarella and breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Either way, presentation turns this cozy meal into a conversation starter at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This pasta freezes beautifully. Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Stored properly, it stays at peak flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just be mindful the texture of the pasta might soften a bit after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Cheeseburger Pasta gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or stock to revive the creamy sauce and stir occasionally until heated through. This method keeps the cheese melty and the flavors delicious, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional and works perfectly here, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives that hold the sauce well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the minced beef with plant-based ground “meat” or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. The spices and cheese will still create that amazing cheeseburger pasta flavor you love.
Can I use low-fat milk or cheese in this recipe?
While full-cream milk and flavorful cheeses provide the best richness, you can use lower-fat options if you prefer. Just keep in mind the dish might be a bit less creamy but still delicious.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes during the seasoning step or toss in some finely chopped jalapeños along with the vegetables. A dash of hot sauce when serving is another easy way to kick up the heat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and reheat with the cheeses just before serving for a quick meal on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that combines the best parts of two beloved comfort foods into one easy, delicious dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, giving this recipe a try will bring all the warm, cheesy joy you crave. So grab your apron and get cooking—you’re about to discover your new favorite pasta!
Print
Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the hearty taste of classic cheeseburgers with the creamy texture of pasta. Featuring ground beef simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, beef stock, and crushed tomatoes, this one-pot meal is made creamy with milk and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Finished with fresh parsley, it offers a satisfying and cheesy dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, to serve
Meat and Dairy
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef
- ½ cup (125 ml) full-cream milk
- 2 cups (250 g) freshly grated colby or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Pantry Items and Spices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ cup (60 g) tomato paste
- 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock
- 400 g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 350 g (12½ oz) dried macaroni pasta (can be substituted with penne or rigatoni)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid too quickly, add extra beef stock or water to maintain a creamy consistency.
- For a twist, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use your favorite pasta shape such as penne or rigatoni if macaroni is unavailable.
- Adjust cheese types and amounts to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Leftover cheeseburger pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
