Description
Sizzling ground beef meets cheesy pasta in this hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta, blending classic American comfort with simple weeknight convenience. Home cooks discover a quick, satisfying meal that delivers bold flavors without multiple dishes to clean.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Dairy:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) uncooked pasta (penne or shells)
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, breaking meat into small crumbles until fully cooked and onions turn translucent.
- Incorporate tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring vigorously to distribute seasonings evenly and enhance flavor profile.
- Pour beef broth and milk into the pot, then add uncooked pasta, ensuring liquid covers ingredients completely and creates a uniform mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow contents to simmer gently, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Monitor pasta’s texture, checking tenderness at around 10-12 minutes of cooking time, and adjust liquid if needed to prevent burning or drying out.
- Once pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Let the one-pot cheeseburger pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly, then serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Customize the pasta choice by using whole wheat or gluten-free options for different dietary needs.
- Control the spice level by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Lower fat content by using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Enhance flavor depth by incorporating additional herbs like dried oregano or fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg