One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Soy-free option

This recipe is family-friendly and kid-approved. It’s made simply in one pot—hello, easy cleanup! In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this flavorful pasta dish packed with vegan “beef,” a creamy tomato sauce, vegan cheese and spices. Serve this with our Dinner Rolls and Simple Ranch Salad.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy macaroni. This recipe offers a convenient twist by incorporating all the familiar tastes of a cheeseburger into a single pot, making it a perfect solution for those craving both the comfort of pasta and the savory goodness of a cheeseburger.

The dish features vegan ground “beef” as a plant-based substitute for traditional ground meat, ensuring that it’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. This cruelty-free alternative captures the essence of a cheeseburger while aligning with dietary preferences that avoid animal products. The use of vegan Cheddar shreds further enhances the cheesy goodness of the macaroni, melting into a creamy sauce that coats each pasta piece.

The one-pot cooking method simplifies the preparation process, minimizing the number of dishes to clean up afterward. By cooking the pasta directly in the skillet along with the other ingredients, the flavors meld together, and the pasta absorbs the savory sauce, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. The addition of tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika infuses the “beef” with a rich, slightly smoky taste that harkens back to the flavors of a classic cheeseburger.

The creamy sauce is achieved by incorporating plain, unsweetened rice milk and Cashew Cream, which adds a velvety texture and a touch of nuttiness to the dish. The Cashew Cream enhances the overall creaminess while also contributing to the dish’s nutritional profile. The result is a satisfyingly creamy and flavorful macaroni that captures the essence of a cheeseburger in a bowl.

To add a fresh and colorful touch, garnish the One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni with dried or chopped fresh parsley before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but also a hint of freshness that balances out the richness of the dish.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests with its comforting flavors, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni offers a convenient and delightful way to enjoy the classic cheeseburger taste in pasta form. Its straightforward preparation, savory taste, and creamy texture make it a favorite among both those following plant-based diets and those simply looking for a delicious and filling meal.

PREP TIME: prep time for Cashew Cream

COOK TIME: 25 to 30 minutes

YIELD: 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 12 oz (340 g) vegan ground “beef” (we like Impossible and Beyond Beef), defrosted if frozen (soy-free if needed)
• 3 tbsp (48 g) tomato paste
• 2 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1½ cups (360 ml) plain, unsweetened rice milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 2 cups (6 oz [170 g]) uncooked cellentani pasta
• 1 cup (113 g) vegan Cheddar shreds or store-bought (soy-free if needed)
• ¼ cup (60 g) Cashew Cream
• Dried or chopped fresh parsley, for topping (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the vegan ground “beef” and stir often until cooked, 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt, stirring to coat the “beef.”
4. Add the rice milk, water, and uncooked cellentani pasta. Stir to fully mix the ingredients.
5. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Lower the heat to low, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Mix in the vegan Cheddar shreds until melted.
9. Finally, mix in the Cashew Cream to add creaminess to the dish.
10. Season the dish with more salt, to taste.
11. Serve the creamy pasta warm, optionally topped with dried or chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.