Description
Savory one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort directly from skillet to plate. Rich beef and creamy cheese blend seamlessly, creating a quick meal perfect for hungry families craving familiar flavors you’ll devour eagerly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (226 g) uncooked pasta (penne or macaroni)
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, creating a rich, caramelized base for the dish.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
- Enhance the flavor profile by mixing in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify.
- Pour beef broth and milk into the pot, creating a luxurious liquid foundation that will cook the pasta and infuse it with depth.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente perfection, lower the heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky, creamy coating.
- Transfer the steaming cheeseburger pasta to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous note.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste.
- For a lighter option, substitute half the milk with low-fat milk and choose reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on calories.
- Enhance protein content by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the onion cooking stage for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1440 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg