Cheesy Hamburger Pasta

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 box of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or bow tie work well)
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cups block mozzarella cheese, shredded (for best melting)
  • 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of pasta water before draining. Set aside the partially cooked pasta.
  2. Cook the Hamburger:
    • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and diced onions. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent.
  3. Season and Add Flavors:
    • Season the meat and onion mixture with minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.
    • Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust the amount according to your desired flavor. Stir to combine.
  4. Combine Pasta and Hamburger:
    • Add the partially cooked pasta to the skillet with the hamburger mixture.
    • Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, about 1 1/2 cups, stirring constantly. This starchy pasta water helps create a creamy sauce.
    • Continue cooking and stirring until the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce. It should absorb the flavors and become tender yet slightly firm to the bite.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish:
    • Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and hamburger mixture. Stir well until the cheese is melted and coats the pasta evenly.
    • Top the pasta with the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two until the cheese on top melts and becomes gooey.
  6. Serve:
    • Give the cheesy hamburger pasta a final stir to incorporate all the flavors.
    • Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, if desired, for a burst of freshness.
    • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and cheesy hamburger pasta for lunch!

This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch, and the freshly shredded block mozzarella adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the dish. Enjoy!

Q1: Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of ground beef or turkey? A1: Yes, you can use ground chicken, pork, or any other ground meat of your choice in this recipe. The flavors will vary slightly based on the meat you choose, but it will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of block cheese? A2: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, using freshly shredded block cheese will result in a creamier and smoother melt. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can sometimes affect the texture. For the best results, it’s recommended to shred the cheese from a block.

Q3: How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper flakes? A3: The level of spiciness depends on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less. Start with a small amount and taste the dish before adding more if you’re sensitive to spice.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it? A4: Yes, you can make this cheesy hamburger pasta ahead of time and reheat it. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta to maintain its moisture, then microwave or reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze this pasta? A5: Pasta dishes with creamy sauces like this one are not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the pasta and sauce may change upon thawing. If you do need to freeze leftovers, it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming too soft during reheating.

Q6: What side dishes pair well with this cheesy hamburger pasta? A6: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. A light and refreshing cucumber or tomato salad can also balance the richness of the pasta. Choose sides based on your preferences to create a well-rounded meal.

Q7: Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe? A7: Yes, you can use various types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or bow tie. Choose your favorite shape or whatever you have on hand. Different pasta shapes will hold the cheesy sauce differently, offering a unique texture in each bite.