Description
Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger — seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and creamy sauce — with pasta for a hearty, satisfying one‑pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 300 g pasta (macaroni, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 250 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 75 g shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs or seasoning of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Reduce the heat. Pour in the heavy cream, then slowly add the shredded cheddar (and mozzarella, if using), stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy beef sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately. For a baked variation, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil briefly until the top is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Swap heavy cream for milk thickened with a bit of flour for a lighter sauce — though it will be less rich.
- Short pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or shells hold the sauce best.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop (or optional bake)
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg