Description
This One-Pot Vegan Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Pasta) is a delicious and comforting plant-based twist on the classic boxed pasta favorite. Made with a vegan ground beef alternative, hearty rotini pasta, and a creamy vegan cheddar cheese sauce, this easy-to-make dinner comes together in just 30 minutes using one pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that's both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 lb. vegan ground beef alternative
Seasonings & Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Liquids & Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups warm unsweetened almond milk (or unsweetened milk of your choice)
- 1 cup warm vegan beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded vegan cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese of your choice)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Cook the vegan ground beef: Add the vegan ground beef alternative to the skillet, breaking it up with your utensil. Cook and stir frequently for about 6 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Mix spices and thickeners: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, oregano, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cooked vegan beef and stir well to coat everything uniformly.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the warm almond milk, vegan beef broth, tomato sauce, and rotini pasta. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Remove from heat as the mixture thickens while cooling.
- Incorporate vegan cheese: Sprinkle the shredded vegan cheddar cheese over the cooked pasta mixture and stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, top with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting vegan cheeseburger pasta!
Notes
- This recipe is an easy, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, requiring only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- If you cannot find vegan beef broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of vegan cheese to your preference for a cheesier or lighter dish.
- Rotini pasta is recommended, but you can use your favorite pasta shape as a substitute.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
