Description
Hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Beef, cheese, and pasta mingle in a skillet, creating a quick meal that satisfies hungry families without complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Starches and Grains:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shells)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring thorough cooking and removing any excess fat.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful liquid base.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot, stirring to combine with the meat and seasonings.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Check pasta for tenderness, ensuring it is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and immediately fold in shredded cheddar cheese and milk, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and serve hot directly from the pot.
Notes
- Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- For extra flavor depth, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika during cooking.
- Keep the pasta al dente by checking texture a minute before recommended cooking time and adjusting liquid if needed.
- Enhance nutrition by mixing in frozen vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg