Description
Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and easy one-pan meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with hearty pasta. Ground beef is browned and cooked with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a touch of garlic and onion powder to create a rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly for a quick weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Pasta and Dairy
- 16 ounces pasta (uncooked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease, then return the beef to the skillet.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Add the cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder to the skillet with the beef. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheeses have melted and combined well with the meat.
- Add Milk and Combine: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Allow the sauce to warm through but do not boil.
- Mix Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated with the cheeseburger sauce. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful, comforting meal!
Notes
- If you prefer a saucier pasta, either reduce the amount of pasta or double the cheese and milk ingredients for a creamier sauce.
- For added vegetables and nutrition, consider stirring in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or tomatoes with the beef.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor, but feel free to substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for variation.
- Make sure to drain excess grease thoroughly to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg