Description
Easy Cheeseburger Pasta is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal that combines the savory taste of classic cheeseburgers with comforting pasta. Ground beef, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese come together to create a creamy, satisfying dish perfect for quick family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season and Enhance: Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for an additional 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked macaroni, then stir to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add pickles or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the cheeseburger flavor.
