Cheeseburger Pasta is a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods: the classic cheeseburger and creamy pasta. This dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta into a single, hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a satisfying and nostalgic flavor that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Imagine a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni, punctuated by the satisfying taste of seasoned ground beef.
Ingredients
Scale:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
1 pound ground beef
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped pickles (optional)
Chopped green onions (optional)
Additional shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot, over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as chopped pickles, green onions, or extra cheese.
