Veggie Hamburger Pasta

This Veggie Hamburger Pasta is a comforting, family-friendly meal that combines hearty ground beef with a variety of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful sauce. The addition of cheese makes it rich and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this recipe is a simple yet delicious way to serve up a nutritious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Meal: This recipe minimizes cleanup by cooking everything in one pot.
• Packed with Veggies: Zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and onions make this dish nutritious and colorful.
• Customizable: You can swap out the pasta or add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and cook time of 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy days.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The cheesy, creamy sauce paired with the savory ground beef will make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 cup carrot, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package lean ground beef (10-12 oz)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups bow tie pasta (farfalle), or pasta of choice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1/2-2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Parsley, to garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep the Veggies: Grate the zucchini, peel and dice the carrots, and dice the onion and mushrooms. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the Veggies: Add the diced onions, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms to the beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Season: Stir in chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the uncooked pasta, beef broth, milk, and tomato paste. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Simmer: Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Finish: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Garnish: Top with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Pasta: Use whole grain or legume-based pasta for extra fiber or protein.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or kale for more vegetables.
• Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.

Can I use dairy-free milk?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Reheat before serving.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more shredded cheese to the top or mix it in.

How do I make this spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Add more protein, such as beans or extra ground beef, to make the dish more substantial.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it will last for up to 3 months.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a substitute for fresh ones, though the texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Veggie Hamburger Pasta is an easy and nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Packed with vegetables and cheese, it’s a comforting dish everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a meal that fits your tastes. Enjoy!

Veggie Hamburger Pasta

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: One-Pot Meals, Family Dinner, Comfort Food
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

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Description

This Veggie Hamburger Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef with fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and onions. Simmered in a flavorful sauce and finished with melted cheese, it’s a satisfying and nutritious dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s customizable and a great way to pack in veggies while still enjoying a creamy, cheesy pasta.

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Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 cup carrot, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package lean ground beef (10–12 oz)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups bow tie pasta (farfalle), or pasta of choice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1/2–2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Parsley, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep the Veggies: Grate zucchini, peel and dice carrots, and dice onions and mushrooms. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the Veggies: Add diced onion, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms to the beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
4. Season: Stir in chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, coating the beef and veggies evenly.
5. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, milk, and tomato paste. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Simmer: Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Finish: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
8. Garnish: Top with chopped parsley before serving.

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Notes

• You can substitute whole grain or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein.
• For extra veggies, try adding spinach, bell peppers, or kale.
• Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.