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- 8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini) - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste To make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta, start with the right pasta. I love using elbow or rotini for this dish. They hold the sauce well and make each bite tasty. You need 8 ounces of your chosen pasta. Next, choose your protein. Ground beef works best, with one pound being the perfect amount. It gives a hearty flavor that pairs well with cheese. Now, let’s talk cheese! This dish is loaded with flavor thanks to three types of cheese: shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese. Use one cup each of the first two and half a cup of cream cheese. This mix makes the sauce rich and creamy. Seasoning is key. You will add one teaspoon of onion powder and one teaspoon of garlic powder. Salt and pepper will enhance the flavors, so use them to your taste. - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1/4 cup diced pickles - 1 tablespoon mustard - 1 tablespoon ketchup - Chopped green onions for garnish For extra flavor, add optional toppings. Diced tomatoes, whether canned or fresh, bring great color and taste. You can also add a quarter cup of diced pickles for that classic burger crunch. Don’t forget the condiments! Mix in a tablespoon of mustard and a tablespoon of ketchup for that true cheeseburger experience. Finally, top your dish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. These ingredients make the dish fun and filling. Enjoy the process of creating this loaded cheeseburger pasta! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 8 oz of elbow or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. A tip for perfect pasta is to stir it often while it cooks. For the beef, use the same pot. Add 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat. Stir it often so it cooks evenly. Aim for a nice brown color, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the excess fat. This step helps keep your dish from being greasy. Now, let’s mix in the flavors. Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well to combine. Next, pour in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of beef broth. Mix everything together and bring it to a simmer. To create the creamy cheese sauce, lower the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese first. Wait until it melts completely. Then, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Now, add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of diced pickles, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors. - How to adjust seasoning for taste Start with a little salt and pepper. Taste as you go. If you want more flavor, add more onion or garlic powder. A dash of hot sauce can also boost the flavor. - Best practices for melting cream cheese Always soften the cream cheese first. Leave it out for 30 minutes before use. Stir it in on low heat for a smooth blend. This helps it melt evenly without clumps. - Maintaining the creaminess of the dish Use low heat when adding cheeses. If the mixture seems thick, add a splash of beef broth. This keeps your pasta creamy and rich without drying out. - Overcooking the pasta Always check the pasta a minute before the package time. It should be al dente, not mushy. Remember, it continues to cook when mixed with the hot sauce. - Not draining the beef properly After browning the beef, drain the fat well. Too much fat can make the dish greasy. Use a fine mesh strainer if needed. This keeps your pasta light and tasty. - Pairing options for a complete meal Serve with a fresh green salad. A side of garlic bread can also enhance the meal. For a special touch, try crispy onion rings. - Recommended side dishes Roasted vegetables add color and nutrients. You can also serve coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. These sides balance the rich flavors of the pasta. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your pasta just until it's al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh tomatoes and high-quality beef for enhanced flavor in your dish. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese based on your preference. A blend of gouda or pepper jack can add a unique twist. Customize Toppings: Enhance your loaded cheeseburger pasta by adding toppings like crispy bacon, jalapeños, or extra pickles for added crunch and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap the ground beef for many options. Ground turkey is a great choice. It keeps the dish lean. Sausage adds nice flavor, too. For plant-based diets, try lentils or veggie crumbles. You can also try different cheeses. Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can use gouda for a smoky flavor, or even feta for a tangy bite. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make these that taste great. You can find them in most stores. For lactose-free options, use lactose-free cheese. There are many types available now. They melt well and taste good, too. Want to spice things up? Add chili powder or smoked paprika. This will give your pasta an extra kick. You can also mix in veggies. Try bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. These add color and nutrients. To store leftover Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. The dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date you stored it. You can freeze Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta too. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when frozen. It stays good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. For busy weeknights, prep this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and store it in individual portions. Use clear containers for easy viewing. This way, you can grab a meal and heat it quickly. It saves you time and effort during your week. Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta takes about 30 minutes total. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and meat takes around 20 minutes. This quick dish is perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. When you want to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it creamy. This way, it stays tasty! If you want to change the protein, there are great options. You can use ground turkey for a leaner dish. If you prefer sausage, it adds a nice spice. For a plant-based option, try lentils or crumbled tofu. Each choice gives a unique flavor to the pasta! You now have a simple yet delicious way to make Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta types to cheese choices, along with helpful cooking tips. Remember to adjust flavors to fit your taste and avoid common mistakes like overcooking. Don't hesitate to explore variations, whether swapping proteins or trying new toppings. With a little prep, you can enjoy this meal any night of the week. Embrace your creativity, and enjoy making this dish your own!

Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta

A creamy and cheesy 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 pasta (elbow or rotini)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 4 cup diced pickles
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • optional chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, stirring until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  • Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef, stirring well to combine.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, mix well, and bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low, and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Then add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until creamy and combined.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture, gently folding everything together until the pasta is well coated.
  • Stir in the diced pickles, mustard, and ketchup, mixing them in thoroughly.
  • Spoon the loaded cheeseburger pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor.
Keyword cheeseburger, comfort food, pasta