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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Easy Cheesy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pot meal combining the savory flavors of cheeseburgers with cheesy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1¾ cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir frequently until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
  5. Remove pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Let pasta sit covered for a couple of minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step; stir every few minutes to prevent pasta from sticking. If mixture dries out before pasta is tender, add more broth or water. Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy sauce. Add cheese off heat to prevent separation. Variations include swapping beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles and using gluten-free pasta or vegetable broth for dietary needs.

Nutrition

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

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