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- Pasta options: You can choose between elbow macaroni or rotini pasta. Elbow macaroni is small and easy to eat. Rotini has twists that hold sauce well, making every bite tasty. - Recommended beef blend for flavor: I suggest using an 80/20 ground beef blend. This mix has 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat adds great flavor and keeps the beef juicy. - Additional seasonings and their roles: You will need onion powder and garlic powder. These spices add depth to the dish. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Don't forget the diced tomatoes and beef broth for a rich base. Lastly, cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella create a creamy texture. The dill pickles, mustard, and ketchup give that classic cheeseburger taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the pasta, start by boiling salted water. Once it bubbles, add the elbow macaroni or rotini. Follow the package instructions, but aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinsing is not needed, as the starch helps the sauce stick. For the beef, use medium heat. This heat level helps the meat cook evenly. Add the ground beef to the pot after draining the pasta. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure to crumble it well for even cooking. Cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. After browning, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy. Once you brown the beef, it's time to add flavor. Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the meat. Stir well so that the spices mix in. Next, add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir again and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Now, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the softened cream cheese next. Stir constantly until it's melted. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. This creates a creamy sauce. Finally, gently fold in the drained pasta. Make sure every piece gets coated in that cheesy goodness. Add diced pickles, yellow mustard, and ketchup last. Stir well to combine everything. This step adds a tangy twist that makes it taste just like a cheeseburger! For seasoning, you can swap onion powder for fresh onions. Fresh onions give a nice crunch and flavor. If you like garlic, fresh minced garlic works well too. To enhance the cheese sauce, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It adds a rich umami taste that makes each bite special. When melting cheese, keep the heat low. High heat can cause the cheese to clump. Stir it slowly until smooth. To avoid a greasy dish, drain the excess fat after cooking the ground beef. This keeps your pasta creamy, not oily. Garnish your loaded cheeseburger pasta with chopped green onions. They add color and freshness. For family meals, serve in large bowls with a side salad. This makes it easy for everyone to dig in and enjoy. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for elbow macaroni or rotini to better hold the creamy sauce and meat mixture, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Ingredient Temperature: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the pot for easier melting and a smoother sauce. Mix Up the Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives at the end for an extra layer of flavor and freshness. {{image_4}} You can change proteins in this dish. Use ground turkey for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian twist, try lentils or a meat substitute. They work well and keep the meal hearty. For cheese lovers, consider dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great options. This keeps the taste while catering to different diets. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and taste. Chop bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. These veggies add color and crunch. They fit right in with the pasta and beef. If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper. This gives your dish a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste. For a fun twist, try baked cheeseburger pasta. Just mix your ingredients in a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until bubbly. This adds a crispy layer on top that everyone loves. You can also make this a one-pot meal. Cook your pasta, beef, and sauce in one pot. This cuts down on clean-up time. Plus, it keeps all the flavors together. To keep your loaded cheeseburger pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. This helps prevent air and moisture from spoiling your meal. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the pasta is cool before sealing the container. This keeps it from getting soggy. When reheating, you want to keep that creamy goodness. The best way is to use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help bring back the creaminess. Stir well to mix everything. If you want to refresh your leftovers, add a little extra cheese or pickles. This brings back flavor and adds a fun twist. You can also toss in some fresh herbs for a burst of color. Enjoy your delicious comfort food again! Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Both options work well in this recipe. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free pasta gives those with gluten sensitivity a tasty choice. How can I make this pasta dish spicier? To spice it up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy mustard instead of yellow mustard. These changes will give the dish a nice kick without losing its cheeseburger flavor. Caloric information per serving Each serving of loaded cheeseburger pasta has about 600 calories. This number can vary based on the cheese and beef you choose. Always check the product labels for precise details. Tips for making it lighter or healthier To make this dish lighter, swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Use low-fat cheese and cream cheese. Adding more vegetables can also boost nutrition while keeping flavors strong. How to make this dish appealing to children Make it fun by adding colorful toppings, like green onions or cheese. Use shapes of pasta that kids enjoy. They love elbow macaroni or rotini for their fun twists. Ways to incorporate vegetables without them noticing Chop spinach or zucchini very finely and mix it into the pasta. The cheese sauce hides the veggies well. Kids won’t even know they are eating healthy foods! This blog post covered how to make loaded cheeseburger pasta from start to finish. We explored the best pasta types, like elbow macaroni and rotini. We looked at choosing the right beef and seasonings for great flavor. I shared tips for cooking the pasta, browning the meat, and creating a creamy sauce. You can swap ingredients for variety and store leftovers correctly. Remember, this dish can be tailored to fit any diet or preference. Enjoy making this meal your own and savor the flavors. Happy cooking!

Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish loaded with flavors of a cheeseburger.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained if needed)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 4 cup dill pickles, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • optional chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.
  • In the same pot (no need to rinse), add the ground beef. Cook it over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s evenly browned. Drain any excess fat after cooking.
  • Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the cooked beef. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to combine for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and stir constantly until fully melted and combined. Then, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture.
  • Carefully add the drained pasta to the cheese and beef mixture. Gently fold the pasta into the creamy sauce until it is completely coated and mixed together.
  • Stir in the diced pickles, yellow mustard, and ketchup, making sure they are well incorporated into the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
  • Spoon generous portions of the loaded cheeseburger pasta into serving bowls. For an added pop of color and flavor, garnish each bowl with freshly chopped green onions if you like.

Notes

For added flavor, use a blend of cheeses.
Keyword cheeseburger, comfort food, pasta