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To make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta, you need these key items: - 8 oz. macaroni or pasta of choice - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup beef broth - 1 tbsp ketchup - 1 tbsp mustard - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional, for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option. - Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. - Try diced bell peppers instead of cherry tomatoes for extra crunch. - Whole wheat pasta works well if you prefer a healthier noodle choice. - Use a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version of the dish. Choosing fresh ingredients makes your dish taste better. Here are some tips: - Ground Beef: Look for beef with a bright red color. It should feel firm, not sticky. - Onions and Garlic: Pick firm onions with dry skins. Garlic should be plump and have no sprouts. - Cherry Tomatoes: Select tomatoes that are plump and shiny. They should feel heavy for their size. - Cheese: Choose cheese blocks and shred them yourself for better flavor. - Herbs: If using fresh parsley, make sure it is vibrant green and not wilted. These tips help you pick the best ingredients for your Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, toss in 8 ounces of macaroni or your favorite pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes, but check the package for exact times. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. If there’s extra fat, drain it out. This step gives your dish great flavor and texture. With the beef browned, it’s time to make the sauce. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the beef. Sauté these for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Then, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 2 minutes. After that, lower the heat and add 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Finally, mix in 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it well with the sauce so that every piece is coated. Gradually mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the dish. Taste your creation and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more ketchup or mustard if you want a tangier flavor. To serve, spoon the Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta into bowls or a big serving dish. For a fun touch, you can garnish it with chopped pickles and fresh parsley. When mixing in the cheese, stir gently but quickly. This helps it melt evenly. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of beef broth or pasta water to loosen it up. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the best pasta, follow a few key steps. First, use a large pot with plenty of water. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Add a good amount of salt to the water, like one tablespoon per gallon. This adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package time, but check it a minute early for al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. You can boost the flavor of your Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta easily. Start with fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and onions give a nice depth. Don't skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a savory kick. If you want a tangy touch, adjust your ketchup and mustard amounts. For a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the taste. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Use a large pot for boiling pasta. A good skillet is essential for browning the beef. A wooden spoon works well for stirring, but a spatula can help when mixing in the cheese. If you have a colander, that’s great for draining pasta. Lastly, measuring cups and spoons help you keep track of ingredients, ensuring your dish comes out just right. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for the perfect texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in your dish, making it healthier and more flavorful. Customize Cheese Varieties: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor and creaminess. Add Spice: For a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the beef while cooking. {{image_2}} You can make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta healthier with a few easy swaps. Try using lean ground beef. This cuts down on fat while keeping the flavor. You can also use whole grain pasta. Whole grain adds fiber, making the dish more filling and nutritious. If you want a meatless dish, there are great options. Plant-based meat works well in this recipe. It mimics ground beef and absorbs the same flavors. You can also use lentils for a hearty option. Just cook the lentils first, then follow the same steps used for the meat. Spice up your Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta with new flavors. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning for a different taste. Try using different cheeses too. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy twist, while mozzarella gives a creamy texture. Experimenting with toppings like jalapeños or crispy bacon can elevate your dish even more. To keep your Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta fresh, cool it first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, avoid adding the garnishes until you serve. When you're ready to eat, reheat your pasta gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to help it heat evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of beef broth to keep it creamy. Heat over low heat, stirring gently. If you want to freeze your Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta, it's best to do this before adding cheese. Prepare the pasta and sauce, then let it cool. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat and add cheese before serving. You can prepare Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta ahead of time. First, cook the pasta and make the sauce as usual. Once cooked, let it cool. Then, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. You can keep it for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it creamy. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just follow the cooking time on the package. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente. This gives it a nice bite and prevents sogginess when mixed with the sauce. You can serve Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh garden salad adds crunch and lightness. Garlic bread complements the creamy pasta. You could even serve it with some crispy potato chips for extra texture. To make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta dairy-free, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese. Use a dairy-free cheese for the cheddar too. There are many great options available now. Be sure to check labels, as some brands may have hidden dairy. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy goodness without the dairy. In this post, we explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta. Choosing fresh ingredients along with smart substitutions can enhance this dish. I shared simple instructions to cook pasta and brown beef, plus ways to make the sauce creamy and cheesy. Consider variations and storage tips to keep meals fresh longer. With these insights, you can make this dish your own while ensuring everyone enjoys it. By trying out new flavors and methods, you can create a memorable meal that delights all eaters.

Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish that combines the flavors of a loaded cheeseburger.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
  • Lower the heat, then add the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing them together with the sauce. Gradually mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If a more tangy flavor is desired, add more ketchup or mustard to taste.
  • Spoon the Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta into bowls or a serving dish. Garnish with chopped pickles and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with pickles and parsley for extra flavor.
Keyword cheeseburger, comfort food, pasta