Cheeseburger Pasta

Why You Will Like this Recipe

• Combines the flavors of a cheeseburger and pasta in one dish
• Easy one pan recipe with minimal cleanup
• Budget friendly using simple pantry ingredients
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Customizable with your favorite burger toppings
• Kid friendly and satisfying

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pasta 

• Ground Beef  - Is considered better than higher fat options for several reasons. First, it has less saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, it tends to have fewer calories per serving, making it a good option for those watching their weight.
• Onion  - provide a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, while also helping to build the foundation of the dish with its aroma and ability to caramelize.
• Onion powder - Onion powder is dehydrated, ground onion that is commonly used as a seasoning. Some people do not like the taste of freshly chopped onion so onion powder is a great substitute if you have a picky eater like that in your house. 
• Garlic powder - is made from dehydrated garlic cloves and like the chili powder above it gets pulverized into a powder or flour consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a savory, umami flavor to dressings. It is commonly used in Caesar salad dressing, as well as in dressings for steak salads and other meat-based salads.
• Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce - If you are watching your salt intake look for cans with less sodium in it
• Beef  Stock  -The best type of stock to use is one that is homemade. For canned stock, I look for ones that say reduced sodium or fat free.
• Ketchup - reduced sugar ketchup 
• Dijon Mustard  -  or stone-ground mustard 
• Rotini Pasta - any type of pasta shape will work
• Toppings - Diced Pickles, Roma Tomatoes, and Scallions 
• Other spices you can add in are onion powder, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce 
• See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to make Cheeseburger Pasta 

Step 1: Spray a large stockpot or Dutch oven with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion and cook until beef has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Drain excess fat. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire Sauce.

Step 2: Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, pasta, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through about 13-16 minutes.

Step 3: Remove from heat and top with cheese. Cover until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes.

Serve immediately, garnished with tomato and green onions, if desired.

Serving size: 1 ½ cups. 

Pro Tips for Cheeseburger Pasta

• Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking
• Cut the cream cheese into small pieces so it melts faster
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture
• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it
• Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish reheats very well, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cheeseburger pasta with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. Air Fryer Garlic Bread or toasted buns make a great addition if you want to lean into the burger theme.

For extra flavor, top with chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard. You can even sprinkle some crispy bacon on top for a loaded cheeseburger twist