By Bring Cheeseburger Pasta to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Cheeseburger Pasta captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Cheeseburger Pasta becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
2 carrots, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef
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 (uncooked; can be substituted with penne or rigatoni)
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
1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, to serve
PREPARATION STEPS
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Cook the Beef:
Add the minced beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Season the Mixture:
Stir in the salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, sugar, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add Liquids:
Pour in the beef stock and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta:
Add the dried macaroni pasta to the pot. Stir well and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Creaminess:
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the full-cream milk, grated colby or cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
Serve the cheeseburger pasta hot, garnished with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
