If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers, pasta, or both, then you’re going to love this Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta. Imagine all the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger—beefy goodness, melty cheese, and zesty condiments—combined with the comfort of tender pasta. This easy-to-make dish brings all the deliciousness together in one skillet, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy pickles, and fresh parsley for a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
In this recipe, the star ingredients are the perfectly seasoned meatballs that are infused with a cheeseburger-like taste, giving you that satisfying burger flavor without the bun. Paired with pasta and a tangy sauce, this dish becomes a hearty and fun alternative to a traditional pasta or a cheeseburger meal. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta and transform your weeknight dinner into something extraordinary!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. With ground beef as the base, we elevate the flavor with pantry staples like breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and classic seasonings. You’ll also need some pasta, a tangy marinara sauce, and the perfect finishing touch: cheddar cheese. Optional pickles can add a tangy crunch, giving the dish that “cheeseburger” feel.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (16 oz) package of pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 (14 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta
Making this Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta is simple and fun, perfect for a family meal or a quick weeknight dinner. Below are the easy-to-follow steps to create this flavorful dish.
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is where we’ll bake our flavorful meatballs to golden perfection.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated. You want the mixture to be well-seasoned and moist, as this will help the meatballs stay tender.
Next, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly so they cook uniformly.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes. They should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. To make sure they are perfectly done, you can use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta (penne or rotini works best for this recipe) according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be combined with the meatballs and sauce.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinara sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the sauce well and bring it to a gentle simmer. These ingredients will combine to make a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with that familiar cheeseburger flavor.
6. Combine the Meatballs and Pasta:
When your meatballs are done baking, add them directly to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball with the sauce. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
7. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and meatballs. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and everything is beautifully combined.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is melted and gooey, it’s time to serve! Plate your Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta and garnish with chopped pickles (if using) and fresh parsley for a pop of color and crunch. This little touch will elevate your dish and give it that perfect cheeseburger finish.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This will save you time during busy weeknights.
- Customize the Sauce: For a bolder flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Pickles: While optional, the pickles add a fantastic crunch and flavor that remind you of a classic cheeseburger. Don’t skip them if you can!
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is the perfect choice for this dish, you can swap it out for other cheese varieties like mozzarella or American cheese if you prefer.
- Pasta Alternatives: Penne and rotini work best for this recipe, but you can also use other types of pasta like elbow macaroni or rigatoni.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What other types of meat can I use for the meatballs?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as an alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will slightly change depending on the meat you use.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the pasta is gluten-free as well.
How do I store leftover Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave or heat on the stove with a splash of water or extra marinara sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Both the meatballs and the pasta can be frozen. Store them separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal later.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Conclusion: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
This Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta takes everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, tangy condiments, and melty cheese—and combines it with the comfort of pasta for a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.
If you’re craving a fun and delicious twist on a classic, give this Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – Cheesy Comfort Food Delight!
- Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies – Festive Holiday Recipe!
- Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos – A Crunchy Snack Delight!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week, and with the unique cheeseburger twist, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds!
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Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger! Featuring juicy meatballs, pasta, and a tangy, savory sauce, this dish combines all your favorite burger ingredients into a cheesy, comforting pasta meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (16 oz) package of pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 (14 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked and browned on the outside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs bake, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add marinara sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Combine the Meatballs and Pasta: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and meatballs. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and everything is well mixed.
- Serve: Serve your Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta hot, garnished with chopped pickles and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding some chopped onions or garlic to the sauce while it simmers.
- If you want to make this dish even cheesier, feel free to add more shredded cheddar or another cheese of your choice.
- You can substitute pickles with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of the total recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta, cheeseburger pasta, cheesy meatball pasta, comfort food pasta, pasta with meatballs, easy dinner recipes, cheesy pasta recipes, kid-friendly pasta dishes