Pasta with Meat Patty and Cucumber

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 8 oz macaroni until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, mix the 0.5 lb ground beef with 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper and 1 tsp garlic powder; shape into 2 patties.

Step 3

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook the patties 4-5 minutes per side, until browned outside and cooked through, about 160F inside.

Step 4

While the patties rest, slice the cucumber into thin rounds.

Step 5

Toss the drained pasta with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and a splash of pasta water until glossy.

Step 6

Slice the rested patties and arrange over the pasta with the cucumber slices on the side.