Description
Hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort flavors in a simple skillet meal. Ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta combine for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid and Pantry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 (14 ounces/396 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (224 grams) uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cheese:
- 1 cup (112 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring thorough cooking and draining any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, and uncooked pasta into the pot, seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly combine all ingredients.
- Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low temperature. Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
- Monitor pasta’s texture, cooking for 12-15 minutes until perfectly tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat source and introduce milk or cream, stirring to create a smooth consistency.
- Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and herbal brightness.
- Serve immediately while warm, ensuring optimal flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pot meal.
- For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta without changing the cooking method.
- Control the dish’s richness by adjusting cheese quantity or using low-fat cheese alternatives while maintaining the creamy, comforting texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg