Hearty Cheeseburger Pasta

This one-pot hamburger mac brings together everyone's favorite meals in one cozy bowl. The smooth, velvety pasta packs all the tasty elements of a juicy burger without needing buns, making a heartwarming dinner that kids and grown-ups will fight over.

I whipped up this dish during one of those chaotic weeks when I was desperate for something fast that wouldn't make my fussy kids complain. The first time it hit the table, my little ones said it beat any restaurant food, and it's been part of our dinner lineup ever since.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil: forms the foundation for cooking and keeps everything from sticking
• Onion and garlic: create that essential flavor base for true burger taste
• Chili powder: brings richness without any fiery kick
• Smoked paprika: adds that faint smoky hint that feels like it came off the grill
• Crushed red pepper flakes: throw these in if you want a tiny bit of warmth
• Kosher salt: pulls out all the tasty elements during cooking
• Ground beef: go for 80/20 fat balance for the best juicy texture
• Tomato paste: packs in savory goodness and gives the dish its appealing color
• Dijon mustard: brings that classic burger topping flavor in a grown-up way
• Chicken stock: makes the cooking liquid and adds flavor complexity
• Elbow macaroni: cooks right in the sauce to soak up every bit of flavor
• Cheddar cheese: delivers that signature burger melt and tangy bite
• Cream cheese: makes everything wonderfully silky throughout
• Parsley: adds a pop of color and fresh taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

Warm vegetable oil in a big pot over medium high heat. Toss in chopped onion and stir now and then until soft, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir until you can smell it, about 1 minute. This flavor base really matters for building good taste.

Build Flavor Base:

Mix in chili powder smoked paprika red pepper flakes if using 1 teaspoon kosher salt and some black pepper. Drop in the ground beef and break it up with your spoon. Cook with occasional stirring until beef turns brown with no pink spots, about 6 to 7 minutes. Getting those beef bits small helps them mix through the whole dish.

Add Flavor Enhancers:

Mix in tomato paste and Dijon mustard till they're fully blended. These ingredients pack a flavor punch like the condiments on your burger but taste a bit fancier.

Cook Pasta:

Pour chicken stock in and add 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Let it bubble up for about 6 to 7 minutes. Dump in elbow macaroni stir once in a while and cook until pasta feels tender with a slight bite and sauce gets thicker, about 9 to 11 minutes. The pasta soaks up all that tasty liquid so everything gets flavorful at once.

Create Creamy Finish:

Take the pot off the heat. Stir in grated Cheddar and cream cheese until it looks smooth. Mix in chopped parsley and sprinkle more on top if you want. Taking it off the heat before adding cheese keeps it from getting lumpy or separating.

Store Leftovers:

Put any extras in a container with a tight lid and keep in the fridge up to 5 days. The flavors actually get better overnight as they mingle together.

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That smoked paprika is honestly the game-changer in this dish. I stumbled on this trick when my regular paprika ran out one night, and that subtle smokiness completely changed everything. My hubby usually wants real burgers but now he asks for this instead, saying it's like having a backyard grill-out in every spoonful.

Make It Your Own

This flexible dish can be tweaked however your family likes it. Try throwing in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when you cook the onions to sneak in more veggies. Want it hotter? Add more red pepper or toss in a chopped jalapeño. It's all about creating your family's perfect version of this comfort food favorite.

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Storage and Reheating

This hamburger mac heats up amazingly well so it's perfect for planning meals ahead. Keep leftover portions in sealed containers in your fridge for up to 5 days. When warming it up again add a little splash of milk or broth to make it creamy again and stir often. For longer storage let it cool down fully then pack into freezer containers where it'll stay good for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this filling dish with a basic green salad with tangy dressing to cut through the richness. For that total burger experience put out bowls of chopped tomatoes shredded lettuce and pickle chunks so everyone can top their own portions. Some buttery garlic bread on the side works great for scooping up all that creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I replace the ground beef with something else?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat will work perfectly here. Be aware leaner meats might cook faster than the 80/20 beef, so check as you go.

→ What can I do to make this spicier?

You could toss in more red pepper flakes, add jalapeños when cooking onions, or finish it with a splash of hot sauce. Or swap part of the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick!

→ Will other types of pasta work?

Sure thing! Small shapes like shells, rotini, or penne are great swaps. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it varies depending on the pasta you pick.

→ How do I warm up leftovers without ruining the pasta?

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat and add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess. Stir as it heats, and avoid high microwave heat to keep the pasta from turning tough.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep everything in advance. If you're going to make it ahead, cook the pasta slightly less since it’ll soak up liquid while sitting or reheating.

→ What pairs well with this meal?

Go with a light green salad, steamed veggies like broccoli, or even roasted ones to balance the richness. Want that full burger feel? Add some dill pickles on the side.