Description
Classic one-pot cheeseburger pasta combines ground beef, pasta, and melty cheese in a skillet for a quick family meal. Home cooks appreciate this comforting dish that delivers restaurant-style flavors without multiple pots and pans. You’ll savor each cheesy, hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
Seasonings and Condiments:
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the pot, methodically crumbling the meat and cooking until thoroughly browned, then efficiently drain any accumulated excess fat.
- Incorporate aromatic garlic, tangy ketchup, sharp mustard, robust Worcestershire sauce, smoky paprika, and seasoning to enhance the meat’s flavor profile.
- Stream beef broth and diced tomatoes into the mixture, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
- Cascade macaroni into the pot, covering and reducing heat, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking while ensuring pasta achieves perfect al dente texture in approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Lower cooking temperature and fold in rich heavy cream, gradually melting sharp cheddar cheese until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth, creamy consistency.
- Extract the pot from heat source, permitting the dish to rest momentarily, allowing flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, leaner version.
- Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream and cheddar.
- Enhance the dish’s nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini during the onion cooking stage for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg