Yes, you heard me right, Cheeseburger Pasta in the slow cooker using 500g of lean beef mince, 250g of dried pasta, 750ml of beef stock, and 100g of cream cheese.

To make your Cheeseburger Pasta in the slow cooker, begin by browning the beef mince, then combine it with the pasta, beef stock, and cream cheese in the cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until pasta is tender and sauce is thick.

So, don’t just stand there! Dive into the details below and discover how you can whip up this comfort food classic with ease. It’s easy, delicious, and sure to be a hit!

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How can I ensure the pasta doesn’t become mushy in the slow cooker?

To prevent pasta from becoming mushy in the slow cooker, add it during the last hour of cooking. For 250 grams of pasta, ensure there’s enough liquid, like the 750 milliliters of beef stock mentioned, to cover it.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, making this recipe vegetarian is simple. Substitute 500 grams of beef mince with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock, maintaining the 750 milliliters quantity for consistency in flavor and texture.

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Pasta Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons of Sunflower oil
• 500 grams of lean Beef mince (preferably 5% fat for a lighter option)
• 1 Onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2 Green peppers, thinly sliced
• 750 milliliters of Beef stock
• 6 tablespoons of Ketchup
• 3 tablespoons of Mustard (go for the Yellow/American variety)
• 3 teaspoons of Paprika
• 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 250 grams of Dried pasta
• 50 grams of Pickles (or gherkins), diced

To finish:

• 100 grams of Cream cheese
• 75 grams of Red Leicester cheese, grated (or any preferred melting cheese)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Pasta

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Have everything measured and chopped. This not only saves time but makes the process smoother.
2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, use the sunflower oil to brown the beef mince until it’s evenly browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a deep flavor base.
3. Slow Cooker Magic Begins: Transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced green peppers for a nice texture contrast and flavor.
4. Add the Flavors: Pour in the beef stock, ketchup, mustard, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and generously with black pepper for that punchy flavor reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
5. Introduce Pasta: Stir in the dry pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid for even cooking. The pasta will absorb the flavors as it cooks, making every bite delicious.
6. Cooking Time: Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for about 2-3 hours. Check around the 2-hour mark to ensure the pasta is cooking evenly and the sauce is thickening beautifully.
7. Final Touches: When the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the pickles and cream cheese for that tangy, creamy twist. Then, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top.
8. Melt the Cheese: Since slow cookers don’t have a grill function, you have two options. You can either transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, or simply let the residual heat in the slow cooker melt the cheese. The latter option might not give you a golden top but will still be delicious.

Recipe Tips

• Cheese Variations: Try a combination of different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and mozzarella, for topping to achieve a richer flavor and a more appealing texture contrast.
• Choosing the Right Pasta: Select pasta shapes like penne or fusilli that maintain their structure well during slow cooking, preventing a mushy outcome.
• Adjusting Liquid Levels: If necessary, add a bit more beef stock during cooking to ensure the pasta remains adequately moist and flavorful.
• Importance of Pickles: Include pickles for their unique crunch and tang, which complement the richness of the dish and enhance its overall flavor palette.

Recipe Variations

• Veggie Lovers’ Version: Replace beef mince with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and red bell peppers to make the dish vegetarian without losing the heartiness of the original recipe.
• Spicy Edition: Incorporate diced jalapeños or chili flakes with the beef for those who prefer their meals with an extra kick, adding a spicy dimension to the pasta.
• Bacon Addition: Introduce crispy, crumbled bacon into the dish for a smoky flavor boost, enhancing the overall taste profile with a savory depth.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Utilize gluten-free pasta and check that all condiments are gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.

What To Serve With Your Cheeseburger Pasta

Serve your Cheeseburger Pasta with a side of Crispy Sweet Potato Fries, a tangy Coleslaw, a simple Arugula Salad with a lemon vinaigrette, Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Buttery Corn on the Cob for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

How To Store Cheeseburger Pasta

In The Fridge:

Store the Cheeseburger Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation inside the container.

In The Freezer:

Cheeseburger Pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. First, cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Cheeseburger Pasta

Reheat your Cheeseburger Pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through; it should take about 5-10 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave it in a safe dish, stirring halfway through the heating process, for about 2-3 minutes.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Tuna Pasta Bake
• Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Using Dolmio
• Slow Cooker Sausage Cassoulet