Here’s the full recipe for your budget-friendly meal:
Creamy Hamburger Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Seasoned salt, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 stick of butter
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Colby shredded cheese
- Bread slices
- Butter, for toasting
- Garlic powder, for toasting
- Italian seasoning, for toasting
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. If the beef is very lean, you may not need to drain excess fat.
- Season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Add the can of Rotel tomatoes to the skillet with the seasoned ground beef. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream to the skillet. Mix well until the sour cream is fully incorporated.
- In the pot used to cook the noodles, return the drained noodles. Add the half stick of butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and Colby shredded cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the noodles are coated evenly.
- Combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the cheesy noodles. Stir until everything is well mixed and heated through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the toast by spreading butter on each slice of bread. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top of the butter.
- Toast the seasoned bread slices in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the creamy hamburger pasta hot with the garlic and Italian seasoned toast on the side.
Enjoy your budget-friendly meal!
Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Creamy Hamburger Pasta:
- What ingredients do I need to make creamy hamburger pasta?
- To make creamy hamburger pasta, you’ll need elbow noodles, ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies), sour cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, Colby shredded cheese, bread slices, and butter for toasting.
- Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use different pasta shapes based on your preference or what you have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or rotini pasta would also work well with this recipe.
- Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can omit the ground beef altogether and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian version of this creamy pasta dish. You can also substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth to enhance the flavors.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the creamy hamburger pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
- What can I serve as a side dish with creamy hamburger pasta?
- Garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables would complement this dish nicely. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Can I freeze creamy hamburger pasta?
- Yes, you can freeze creamy hamburger pasta for longer storage. Transfer the cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy your creamy hamburger pasta! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.