Introduction

Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner is a comforting and easy meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without much fuss.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole, with a spoon lifting a cheesy portion to reveal layers. The bottom layer is made of shell pasta coated in a reddish sauce, giving it an orange tint. Above the pasta is a thick layer of melted cheese that is golden brown and bubbly with a slightly crispy texture on top. The cheese appears stretchy as it pulls up with the pasta. The dish is placed on a red and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 (1 lb) box small pasta shells
2 (10.5 oz) cans tomato soup
1/2 cup water
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a combination)
Seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, & garlic powder recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Return the skillet with the cooked beef to medium heat. Add both cans of tomato soup and 1/2 cup water, stirring until well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Stir the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato mixture. Add seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the ground beef.
Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a milder, stretchy texture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or simmer the mixture a few extra minutes before adding cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk if the pasta looks dry.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with baked pasta shells covered in melted, golden-brown cheese. The pasta looks soft and coated in a reddish sauce beneath the cheese layer. A spoon lifts a scoop showing two clear layers: the top layer is bubbly melted cheese in orange and light brown shades, and the bottom layer consists of shell pasta mixed with sauce, giving off a rich, saucy texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible beneath it, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small to medium pasta shapes like macaroni or rotini work well with this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pot meal that combines the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta shells. Ground beef is simmered with tomato soup and seasoning, then mixed with pasta and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a hearty family dinner.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 pound ground beef

Pasta

1 (1 lb) box small pasta shells

Liquids & Sauces

2 (10.5 oz) cans tomato soup
1/2 cup water

Dairy

3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a combination)

Seasonings

Salt, pepper & garlic powder, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
Add Tomato Soup and Water: Stir in the two cans of tomato soup and 1/2 cup water to the cooked beef. Mix well and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your taste preferences.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook the Pasta Separately: While the sauce simmers, cook the small pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and tomato soup mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and stir gently to allow the cheese to melt into the pasta and sauce, creating a creamy cheeseburger flavor.
Serve: Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, remove from heat and serve the cheeseburger pasta warm for a satisfying dinner.

Notes

Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a milder, creamier flavor.
For added veggies, consider stirring in cooked onions or bell peppers with the ground beef.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Leftover cheeseburger pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta dinner, easy family dinner, comfort food