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One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

The One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a cozy, satisfying, and quick meal that combines the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta and a creamy melted cheese sauce, all cooked together in one pot. Ideal for busy weeknights, it offers minimal cleanup, customizable variations, and kid-friendly comfort food that’s both budget-friendly and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk or cream

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional spices (e.g., chili powder, paprika) to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, releasing rich flavors and forming a savory base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in beef broth, milk (or cream), ketchup, mustard, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and blended into a creamy sauce that coats every bite.
  6. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting ability and classic cheeseburger flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushy texture.
  • Stir gently but often during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • Brown the beef well to add depth of flavor through caramelization.
  • Adjust liquid ratios of broth and milk to achieve desired creaminess and consistency.
  • Customize by adding vegetables, using different cheeses, or making it gluten-free or vegetarian.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, cheeseburger pasta, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, ground beef, cheddar cheese, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly