Indulgent Cheeseburger Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes Flat

Discover a quick and creamy Cheeseburger Pasta recipe that combines classic flavors into one satisfying dish, ready in just 30 minutes!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing vegetables; feel free to substitute with any cooking oil you have on hand.
1 cup Onion Adds depth and sweetness; shallots make a great alternative.
2 cloves Garlic Provides aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is best.
1 cup Carrots Adds sweetness and nutrition; swap with finely diced bell peppers or zucchini if desired.
1 cup Celery Contributes flavor and crunch; leeks or chopped spinach can also substitute well.
1 pound Ground Beef Primary protein source; ground turkey can be used for a lighter option.

For the Sauce

½ teaspoon Black Pepper Enhances the overall flavor; freshly cracked is ideal.
1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds extra onion kick; optional if using fresh onion generously.
1 teaspoon Oregano Key herb that gives an Italian flair; Italian seasoning can be used as an alternative.
1 teaspoon Sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; adjust to taste.
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens sauce and deepens flavor; crushed tomatoes work in a pinch.
1 cup Beef Stock Adds depth to the sauce; vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
1 can Crushed Tomatoes Forms the foundation of the sauce; manually crushed whole peeled tomatoes work too.

For the Pasta & Creaminess

8 ounces Dry Macaroni Feel free to substitute with penne or rigatoni.
1 cup Full-Cream Milk Contributes to the creamy texture; plant-based milk alternatives can be used.
1 cup Grated Cheese (Colby/Cheddar) You can swap with any melting cheese or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
1 cup Mozzarella Creates that gooey finish on top; any melty cheese will do.

For the Garnish

1 tablespoon Flat-leaf Parsley Adds fresh flavor and a pop of color; chives can be used instead, or omit if needed.

Equipment

large skillet

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 chopped celery stalk. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the meat is browned and no pink remains.
Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of beef stock and 1 can of crushed tomatoes, stirring well before bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
Add 8 ounces of dry macaroni directly into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has mostly absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of full-cream milk and 1 cup of grated cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Cover the skillet again and let it rest for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This comforting dish combines the flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy pasta perfect for family dinners. Adjust seasonings and mix in more veggies for a customizable experience.

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