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Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

creamy one-pot cheeseburger pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal combining ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce for a comforting and satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 8 oz medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded American cheese
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add chopped onion and garlic to the empty space and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1 minute to combine flavors.
  4. Add dry pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover loosely and simmer pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if liquid evaporates too quickly.
  6. Once pasta is tender, stir in milk and shredded cheeses. Mix gently until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to allow pasta to absorb flavors. Stir gently but often to prevent sticking. Use a mix of sharp cheddar and American cheese for best melt and texture. Let the dish rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce. Adjust seasoning last as broth and cheese add saltiness. For a spicy twist, add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, cheeseburger pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, ground beef, creamy pasta