Description
Hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort straight to dinner tables. Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (e.g., penne or macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden-brown color, then eliminate any surplus grease.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, and sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Gently incorporate uncooked pasta, ensuring each piece is coated with the savory liquid mixture.
- Secure the pot with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and promote even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, lower the heat to its minimum setting.
- Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and forms a silky, uniform sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- Opt for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
- Swap regular cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based milk for a lactose-free version.
- Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda to elevate the dish’s complexity and add unexpected depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg