Sizzling Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe That Kids Adore

Whipping up a delectable homemade cheeseburger pasta can transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

Weeknight meals sometimes need that special spark of excitement.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish combines classic burger flavors with creamy pasta goodness.

Meat lovers appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one skillet.

Melted cheese creates a luscious coating that binds every single bite.

Simple pantry staples make this recipe accessible and fun to experiment with.

Each forkful promises a nostalgic journey through familiar, mouthwatering flavors that spark pure joy.

Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta That Feeds Everyone Happily

• Quick and Hearty Family Meal: Whip up this cheeseburger pasta in just one skillet, making dinner prep a breeze for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Combines the beloved flavors of cheeseburgers and pasta into a creamy, cheesy dish that kids will devour without hesitation.
• Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor: Uses a single pan from start to finish, reducing dish washing and creating a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Cheeseburger Pasta Essentials

• Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful base for the cheeseburger pasta, providing hearty protein and meaty texture. Choose lean ground beef for less grease.

• Pasta, Beef Broth, Milk: Combination creates creamy, one-pot meal with perfect pasta consistency. Use elbow macaroni or similar short pasta for best results.

• Tomato Sauce, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that adds classic cheeseburger flavor profile. Fresh spices will provide more robust taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly, delivering classic cheeseburger cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar offers more intense flavor.

Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab your trusty skillet and sizzle the ground beef over medium-high heat.

Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat, creating delicious crumbly bits that will pack tons of flavor.

Step 2: Ditch the Grease

Carefully drain away any excess fat from the beef, keeping those tasty meat morsels ready for action.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Beef broth
• Milk
• Tomato sauce
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Salt

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a bubbling boil that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Toss in the pasta and cover the skillet.

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything mingle for about 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent any pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Finish the Pasta

Remove the lid and let the pasta cook for an extra 2-4 minutes until it’s perfectly tender.

If things look a bit dry, splash in some extra liquid to keep everything moist and delicious.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Take the skillet off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into creamy, gooey perfection.

Step 7: Final Flavor Boost

Give the pasta a taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper if you want to amp up the seasoning.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Cheeseburger Pasta Stir Tips

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Always keep extra beef broth or water nearby to adjust pasta moisture during cooking, preventing sticking or dryness.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's delicious essence.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack to add unique flavor dimensions to the classic cheeseburger pasta.

Cheeseburger Pasta That Heats Up in No Time

• Store leftover cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Flavorful Sides For Cheeseburger Pasta

• Elevate Burger Night Pairings
• Sip Bold Red Zinfandel: Its robust fruit and peppery notes perfectly complement the meaty, cheesy pasta's rich flavors.
• Serve Crisp Coleslaw: The tangy, crunchy side cuts through the dish's richness, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Pair Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery slices soak up the cheesy sauce, adding delightful textural dimension.
• Enjoy Pickle Spears: Briny, sharp pickles cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Cheeseburger Pasta Combinations

• Veggie Burger Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Southwestern Pasta: Add diced green chilies, swap chili powder for chipotle powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check broth and seasoning labels carefully.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Burger Pasta: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower, keeping the classic cheeseburger flavors while reducing carbohydrates.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy pasta with meat is a classic comfort food that most children love, and it’s easy to customize to their taste preferences.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process to boost the nutritional value without changing the overall taste.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for added depth of flavor.

Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty homemade cheeseburger pasta brings classic American comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines ground beef and pasta in one satisfying skillet meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) lean ground beef (80/20)

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) tomato sauce

Seasoning and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta (shells or large elbows)
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon until no pink remains.
2. Eliminate excess grease by draining the meat thoroughly.
3. Pour beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, onion powder, chili powder, and salt into the skillet, mixing with the cooked beef.
4. Elevate the temperature and bring the liquid mixture to a vigorous boil.
5. Introduce pasta to the skillet, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the contents to simmer.
6. Stir the pasta periodically during the 10-minute cooking process to prevent sticking.
7. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes, ensuring pasta reaches desired tenderness.
8. If the mixture appears dry, incorporate a small amount of additional liquid to maintain moisture.
9. Transfer the skillet off the heat and let the pasta rest uncovered for 5 minutes to absorb remaining liquid.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot pasta, stirring gently until the cheese melts completely.
11. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta to maintain protein content.
• Add diced bell peppers or spinach during cooking to boost vegetable intake and nutrition without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg