Description
Easy Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese in a rich savory sauce, delivering the classic flavors of a cheeseburger quickly and satisfyingly.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Season meat: Mix in the ketchup, mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly into the browned beef for classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer to cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and forms a creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef mixture.
- Serve: Serve the cheeseburger pasta warm immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add diced pickles on top for a true cheeseburger flavor.
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
