Go Back
–+ servings

Cheeseburger Pasta

No ratings yet
This easy Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! It's loaded with seasoned ground beef, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, all tossed together with tender pasta. It tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger — but in a bowl!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 548
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 85/15 ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi, dry and uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Method
 

  1. In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion together, breaking the beef up as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Drain off any excess grease and return the pan to the stove over medium heat.
  2. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard and ketchup until everything is well combined.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the dry pasta and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk and the softened cream cheese cubes, stirring continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted into the sauce and the mixture is smooth.
  5. Add the shredded cheddar cheese in two batches, stirring well between each addition until completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes — the sauce will thicken slightly as it sits. Serve hot with your favorite sides!

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 34gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 782mgPotassium: 498mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 342mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For the creamiest sauce: Always shred your cheddar cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce. It only takes an extra minute and it is absolutely worth it!
To make it even more like a cheeseburger: Stir in ¼ cup of finely diced dill pickles right at the end before serving. It adds that signature cheeseburger tang that takes this dish to the next level!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a small splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!