Ingredients
For the pasta:
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter
For the cheeseburger taste:
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings:
Cooked bacon bits
Diced pickles
Chopped tomatoes
Green onions
Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add some salt. Bring it to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it until it’s tender but still has a little bite to it. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1 cup of the pasta water in a bowl – you might need this later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Put a large skillet on medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 6-8 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it gets soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. If there’s too much grease, you can drain some out.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Add the butter to the beef and let it melt. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while stirring. Heat this up but don’t let it boil hard – just gentle bubbles. Add the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Turn the heat down to low. Slowly add the cheddar cheese while stirring constantly so it melts smooth. Then add the Parmesan cheese the same way. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of that pasta water you saved. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir everything until the pasta is covered with the creamy sauce. Serve it hot and let everyone add their favorite toppings.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente so it retains some texture and doesn’t get mushy.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Melt cheese gently: Keep the heat low and stir constantly when adding cheese to avoid lumps.
- Protein swaps: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Try including diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you enjoy heat.
- Try different pasta shapes: Rotini or bow ties are excellent alternatives to traditional pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg