Happy new year! Hope your new year is starting off good! We (unfortunately) started off with the dreaded rona. Actually, I say ‘dreaded’ but in all honesty, we had a mild case. I’m thankful that my worst symptom was a burning sore throat and one night of a fever – but that was it. We all (my whole fam got it at the same time) feel great now & ready to tackle 2022! And ready to share this Mac’n’Cheeseburger w/Veggies.
Alrighty, I have to say ….I’m going to be more diligent about posting here. This past year was a little whacky for many reasons but one of which, was that my site pretty much crashed. It was finicky, it would delete content and it didn’t even allow me to get on for months at a time! It could be user error but one day, all was absolutely fine! And I did nothing to “fix it”. So that said, I am ready to create more simple paleo recipes and get them on here quickly.
Let’s chat pasta ….
Speaking of quickly – I made this Mac’n’Cheeseburger w/Veggies as a prep meal (today!) for one night this week. We all tasted it and loved it so I figured I would share it here. NOW! Why wait? Truly, this meal was done while prepping chicken thighs in the oven, roasting veggies and making a slaw salad. It doesn’t take much time and definitely can be made while multitasking.
I am pretty much grain free so I used Jovial Pasta for this recipe but any pasta will work just fine. I also use a delish Spicy Queso Blanco dip from Good Foods, which I used as a sauce and that’s basically all the flavor/seasoning needed! You can get both of these items at Sprouts (my favorite local store). I’m sure they have these products at Whole Foods as well. That in it of itself was so good …but add in the ground beef, mushrooms, shaved brussels and you have a meal!
Another Grain Free Pasta Recipe!
I use Jovial past for many recipes but one we love around here is my Paleo Macaroni Salad! I’ve taken this to a few family gatherings this past summer and it is well received by all. If you’re used to eating regular pasta, it might take you a bit to get used to this grain free substitute. I haven’t had pasta in years, so this was a very pleasant surprise for me! They also have gluten free pasta!
I think it’s great that we have so many options now for pasta’s. It used to be that we would have to use zoodles or spaghetti squash if we wanted some kind of “pasta-ish” dish. Brands stepped up their games and created delicious alternatives for those that wish to steer clear of traditional pasta. This Mac’n’Cheeseburger w/Veggies is exactly why I’m thankful for alternatives. I still love my spaghetti squash but this is great to have when craving that pasta bite!
Add any veggies you choose. I had mushrooms and brussel shavings on hand but I always encourage for everyone to make it their own. I almost added roasted broccoli but decided to keep the broccoli on hand for another meal. Please let me know what you do to make this your own ….or if you make the recipe ‘as is’, I’d love to hear what you think! Enjoy 
Mac’n’Cheeseburger w/Veggies
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz box elbow pasta (I use Jovial Grain Free Pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 12oz container Good Foods Spicy Queso Blanco Dip
- 1 8 oz package of mushrooms
- 1 cup brussel shavings
- 2-3 tbsp butter or ghee
- salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to directions on package.
- While pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in another pan. Sprinkle on salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.
- Drain pasta & add it back to the pot. Toss in the cooked ground beef & the container of Queso Dip, in with the pasta. Stir to combine.
- Using the pan the ground beef was in, add/melt the butter or ghee. Toss in the mushrooms and let them cook up (stirring occasionally) for about 5 minutes. Now add in the brussel shavings and cook both on medium flame for about 5-10 minutes. Season with a bit of salt and garlic powder.
- Once brussels have wilted a bit, spoon the veggies into the pot with the pasta/meat and incorporate.
- Serve immediately or let cool and store in airtight container for a another night. It’s a great prep ahead recipe!
